Maria Sharapova beats Victoria Azarenka on 6th match point at Indian Wells

Maria Sharapova hits a forehand in her win over Victoria Azarenka at Indian Wells

Maria Sharapova defeated Victoria Azarenka on her 6th match point in a third round clash at the BNP Paribas Open. The Russian won 6-4, 6-3 to level their head-to-head 7-7. Sharapova hit 23 winners, one more than Azarenka and 27 unforced errors.

Azarenka saved 4 match points on her serve in the 8th game. In the next game, Sharapova took a 40-15 lead to set up her 5th match point, but netted a forehand. But she converted her sixth match point with a shot which Azarenka couldn't return near the net.

Sharapova, a two time champion here, will meet defending champion Flavia Pennetta in the fourth round. Pennetta defeated Sam Stosur 6-4, 6-2 in her third round match.