Barthel Smokes Ivanovic, Wozniacki Glides at Indian Wells

Germany's Mona Barthel proved she is a name to watch this week in Indian Wells. Former champion Caroline Wozniacki eased into the fourth round.

By Erik Gudris

(March 11th, 2013) -- A mild morning earthquake in the Palm Springs area didn't disrupt third round women's action from getting underway at the BNP Paribas Open. But it was a young German who caused some shockwaves with an upset win over a former champion of the event.

No. 24 seed Mona Barthel had beaten former Indian Wells winner and No. 11 seed Ana Ivanovic once before last year in Stuttgart. And that win may have fueled Barthel's confidence as she raced away with the first set 6-1.

After a pep talk from her coach Nigel Sears who told his charge to show more energy, it was Ivanovic who took control of the second set. Up 4-3, Ivanovic converted on her seventh break point when Barthel double faulted the game away. Ivanovic then served out the set to force a decider.

But once again it was Barthel who took command of the match with her laser-like winners on both wings. Barthel secured a double break lead on Ivanovic and didn't surrender another game as she closed out the 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 win.

This marks the earliest ever exit for Ivanovic at Indian Wells in her career.

Barthel will next face Sam Stosur who struggled in the second set against China's Peng Shuai before rallying to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

Kerber, Petrova, Wozniacki Secure Straight Set Wins

Earlier in the afternoon, No. 4 seed Angelique Kerber, a semifinalist last year, continued her winning ways with a 6-1, 7-6(4) win over No. 30 seed Yanina Wickmayer. Kerber later said that though she was delighted with the win, she is still troubled by a back injury she picked up in Australia.

No. 8 seed Caroline Wozniacki eased past No. 29 seed Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-1. She now faces No. 10 seed Nadia Petrova who also had little trouble against No. 21 seed Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-2.

Wozniacki, a former champion of the event two years ago, reflected on feeling like a veteran on tour despite her young age of 22.

"When you've been somewhere seven times already like I have been here at Indian Wells, it just puts things in perspective," Wozniacki told WTA.com "I've been on tour for so long and played so many matches, and it's great. It's just great that I've been able to go so strong in tennis for so long."

(Photo Credit: Chang Photography)