American stars Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul kicked off their Indian Wells campaigns with victories, but not all local players had the same luck during Friday's second-round action. Ashlyn Krueger battled but was not enough against Elina Svitolina, while Marcos Giron pulled off one of the upset of the day by knocking out world No. 2 Casper Ruud.
ATP
The biggest home favourite on Friday was 10th seed Tommy Paul, who faced a fellow American wildcard after defeating Aleksandar Vukic in a marathon match (4-6, 6-2, 7-6). However, Paul’s experience proved too much, as he cruised past the young talent 6-3, 6-1. He will face Britain's Cameron Norrie in the third round.
Another all-American clash saw Alex Michelsen take on little-known qualifier Colton Smith. Michelsen, the 31st seed, had little trouble securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Smith, who had impressed with a stunning comeback win against Flavio Cobolli in the previous round.
The biggest shock of the day came from Marcos Giron, who knocked out world No. 4 Casper Ruud. The American edged a thrilling first set, which proved decisive in his 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 triumph—the biggest win of his career and his first-ever victory over a top-5 player. It also marked his fifth win against a top-10 opponent.
California Dreamin’ ✨@marcos_giron93 takes down 4th seed Ruud 7-6 3-6 6-2 in front of his home crowd!#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/k135VknNBR
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 8, 2025
WTA
World No. 4 Jessica Pegula, one of the top American hopes, made her tournament debut in the bottom half of the draw with a routine 6-4, 6-2 win over Magda Linette, avenging fellow American Peyton Stearns, who had fallen to Linette in the first round. Pegula’s trademark consistency was on display as she set up a third-round clash with Xinyu Wang.
Wildcard Caroline Dolehide, who had already beaten Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets, continued her strong run by taking down lucky loser Eva Lys. Lys had entered the main draw at the last minute following Paula Badosa’s withdrawal due to injury but could not extend her stay. Dolehide secured her second consecutive victory at Indian Wells, matching her 2024 performance by reaching the third round, where she will face Marta Kostyuk.
Ashlyn Krueger, meanwhile, had a battle with Elina Svitolina, but it wasn't enough to give her an upset. Through a slow start, trailing 1-6, she took the second set to a tie-break. In the third she was unable to recover from a 1-5 deficit, and although she saved up to six match points, she ended up losing her serve and Svitolina saved an important confidence-boosting win.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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