Serbian Sweep at Indian Wells Pacific Life Open Finals

A few days late, but as you know the finals of the Pacific Life Open took place on Sunday. In the women's final Svetlana Kuznetsova failed to hold on to her luck and was soundly beaten by Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 6-4, 6-3. Ivanovic's aggressive performance gave little chance to Kuznetsova, though the first set was closely fought. Ivanovic is ranked world's number two.

On the men's side, Novak Djokovic beat Mardy Fish (USA) 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Fish had deprived Roger Federer the chance to play in the final, but despite his big serves and power play, he couln't maintain the momentum. Djokovic's supporters were all fired up, having witnessed the Serbian victory in the women's final, and this must also have helped Djokovic's motivation.

Maria Sharapova Loses to Svetlana Kuznetsova | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

Maria Sharapova ended her 18 straight wins record by losing the semi-final to Svetlana Kuznetsova, also from Russia.

The match lasted over 2 hours with the final scores at 6-3, 7-6, 6-2. Though Sharapova managed to get the closely fought second set, she more or less fell apart in the final set. In her own words, she said Kuznetsova just "steamrolled" in the third set.

And Sharapova just wasn't at her best. Kuznetsova conceded as much, but also added that she herself wasn't playing at top form. She will face Ana Ivanovic in the final on Sunday. This will be her second straight year in the final.

Rafael Nadal Takes His Revenge Against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

It was a re-match that fans were eagerly waiting for. Tsonga stunningly beat Nadal at the Australian Open. And no doubt this was something very much on Nadal's mind. And he went all out to achieve victory.

He got it but it was no easy victory. It was a thrilling match. Tsonga took the lead by winning the first set 6-7 (4-7). Nadal got even in the next set 7-6 (7-3). But he was going downhill in the third set. With 5-3 against him, Nadal fought furiously and brilliantly to recover and finally took the set and the match at 7-5. Sweet but hard-earned revenge!

Though Tsonga lost in this match, it's clear now that he is and will be a force to be reckoned with. He was no flash in the pan with his accomplishments in the Australian Open.

Unstoppable Maria Sharapova | Indian Wells Pacific Life Open

Maria Sharapova had to pull out of the Dubai Championships because of illness. She is now back on the courts at Indian Wells.

And in tremendous form.

She has consolidated her unbeaten record of 14-0 straight wins, with another victory. In the second round of the Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells, she beat Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-1 6-0, in just under one hour.

I am becoming quite a fan of Sharapova.