Verdasco, Shapovalov advance at Indian Wells

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California, March 9: Fernando Verdasco and Denis Shapovalov booked their spots in the Indian Wells Masters second round on Thursday.

Verdasco fell to Guido Pella in Buenos Aires last month, but the Spaniard gained some revenge with a three-set win.

Shapovalov, 18, was largely untroubled as he cruised past Ricardas Berankis and into the second round.

Meanwhile, talented youngsters Borna Coric, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz also won through.

FINE FERNANDO

Verdasco produced a dominant finish against Pella to secure a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 victory.

The world number 39 broke twice and only lost five points on serve in a fine third set.

Verdasco faces a huge test in the second round with third seed Grigor Dimitrov awaiting him.

SUPER SHAPOVALOV

Canadian teenager Shapovalov had no problems against Berankis, winning 6-3, 6-4.

The 18-year-old only served at 47 per cent and produced seven double faults, but he was still too strong.

NEXT GEN SHINES

The likes of Coric, Medvedev and Fritz also progressed.

Coric, 21, needed just 58 minutes to crush Donald Young 6-0 6-2 and Medvedev, 22, continued Steve Johnson's poor start to the year with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 win.

Fritz, 20, saved a match point before overcoming fellow American Reilly Opelka 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

Source: OPTA