Siniakova ends Clijsters's Indian Wells run in first round

Katerina Siniakova overcame a formidable challenge from Kim Clijsters at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells on Thursday, ending the Belgian's hopes of making it past the first round.

Siniakova scored a 6-1 2-6 6-2 victory over the former World No.1, easily taking the first set as Clijsters looked out-of-sorts to start the match. However, the four-time Grand Slam champion raised her level of play in the second set, producing some excellent shot-making that was reminiscent of her younger days.

With the match tied at a set apiece, it was Siniakova who was the more consistent player in the final set. The Tokyo Olympics doubles gold medalist dictated play, maneuvering her opponent around the court.

Both women were not very efficient on serve, with Siniakova hitting eight doubles faults while Clijsters had nine. Nonetheless, it was the Czech star who managed to secure the vital breaks, claiming the victory after an hour and 36 minutes.