BNP Paribas Open—Indian Wells, California
Paula Badosa won the biggest title of her young career on Sunday in Indian Wells, California, defeating two-time former champion Victoria Azarenka 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-6(2).
Needing three hours and four minutes to seal her victory, Badosa struck seven aces, broke serve on five occasions and won 56 percent of her first serve points.
Dismissing Angie Kerber, Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejcikova earlier in the event, the Spaniard will be ranked a career high of No. 11 in the world on Monday.
Azarenka, who was aiming to win in Indian Wells for the third time, dispatched Petra Kvitova, Jessica Pegula and Jelena Ostapenko before nearly winning on Sunday.
The 32-year-old will be ranked No. 26 when Monday’s rankings are released.
Later in the day, the men’s final was won by Brit Cameron Norrie. Defeating Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, Norrie used his defensive groundstrokes to offset the overwhelming power of his opponent. Needing one hour and 49 minutes to claim his crown, Norrie hit one ace and broke serve on five occasions.
Taking the title in Los Cabos earlier this year, Norrie will hit a career high ranking of No. 16 on Monday.
Norrie, who has experienced a breakout season, won his first Masters 1000 title and second of his career. The 26-year-old dismissed Grigor Dimitrov, Diego Schwartzman and Tommy Paul en-route to the finals.
Basilashvili, who was looking to claim his third title of the season, dispatched Stefanos Tsitsipas, Karen Khachanov and Taylor Fritz earlier in the tournament.
