Sinner Cruises Past Shapovalov, Zverev Battles Through in Indian Wells

World number two Jannik Sinner has cruised into the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters, dispatching Denis Shapovalov in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour on court.

The Canadian made a bright start, breaking to lead 1-0 in the first set without dropping a point, but Sinner responded immediately with a break of his own and added another at 4-3 to take control of the match. The second set was even more one-sided, with the Italian winning four games to love — including on Shapovalov's serve — to wrap up a commanding victory.

Sinner will next face Brazilian teenager João Fonseca, who impressed in his own right by eliminating home favourite Tommy Paul 6-2, 6-3.

It was a far tougher afternoon for third seed Alexander Zverev, who had to dig deep to see off American Brandon Nakashima 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 in a match lasting two and a half hours. The first break of serve didn't arrive until 5-5 in the second set, going Nakashima's way as he levelled the match. The deciding set was equally tight, but Zverev finally broke in the final game to secure his place in the last 16.

Standing in his way next will be fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who needed just over an hour to dispatch Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-2.