Madison Keys difficult issues however finally managed to beat Elise Mertens 6-2 6-7 (8) 6-4 and keep away from what would have been a completely stunning loss within the Indian Wells third spherical.
The American, who entered the conflict using a 13-match profitable streak, claimed breaks within the fourth and eighth video games to bag the primary set.
After sealing the primary set, the No. 5 seed blew an early second-set break however earned one other one in th eighth recreation for a 5-3 lead.
Then, the drama begins as Keys double faults 4 occasions when serving for the match and blows two match factors. Within the second-set tie-break, the house favourite missed out on two extra set factors as Twenty eighth-seeded Mertens stunningly managed to pressure a decider.
Simply as was the case within the second set, the reigning Australian Open champion blew an early break however earned one other one within the seventh recreation to go 4-3 up. However this time, the American was capable of maintain to her serve and get the job executed after changing her sixth match level.
Keys will get her 14th consecutive win, may meet subsequent an American
Within the Indian Wells round-of-16, the world No. 7 will battle in opposition to the winner of the match between Tenth-seeded American Emma Navarro and No. 19 seed Donna Vekic.
Whereas the 30-year-old did not ship a convincing efficiency in opposition to Mertens, she nonetheless discovered a option to win and enhance her profitable streak to 14 matches.
“Clearly momentum is nice however I feel on the similar time with the ability to type of reset and have time and be 100% prepared can also be actually necessary. I feel momentum is nice, however when you’re flying everywhere in the world and you are not 100%, then momentum does not actually imply something,” Keys mentioned earlier this week.
If the American – who additionally gained Adelaide earlier than the Australian Open – claims the Indian Wells, she would full a three-peat for the primary time in her profession.
