Yosuke Watanuki upset 16th seeded Frances Tiafoe 6-4 7-6 (8-6) to advance to the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
The world number 349 player beat Alexander Bublik, 19thseed Tomas Machac via retirement and Frances Tiafoe to become the lowest-ranked player to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells since tournament Tommy Haas in 2004.
Watanuki missed most of the 2024 season due to a knee injury. The Japanese player pulled off one of the biggest wins at Indian Wells so far.
Watanuki hit 47 winners including.16 aces and saved four break points to beat former Indian Wells semifinalist Tiafoe.
Watanuki fended off two break points to hold serve after five deuces in the first set. Tiafoe fended off three break points in the sixth game. Watanuki closed out the first set 6-4 with a break of serve in the 10th game.
Tiafoe broke serve in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. Watanuki converted his fifth break-back points in the 10thgame to draw level to 5-5. Tiafoe converted his third break point in the 11th game to take a 6-5 lead. Watanuki broke straight back at love to set up a tie-break. Watanuki fought off a set point at 5-6 and won three straight points to seal the tie-break 8-6.
“I’m speechless. I can’t find my words but I’m so happy to be here. I got injured last year, so I’m happy just to stay on the court,” “The most important thing about me, sometimes I’m a little bit nervous, sometimes I’m feeling down with the mentality. We tried to figure out that part. I try to enjoy more, even when I miss. A winner is much better, but even the miss I enjoy. That was the beauty here for me today.”
