Tennis-Kerber advances, Badosa withdraws at Indian Wells

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 12, 2024 Germany's Angelique Kerber during press conference ahead of the Australian Open REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - Three-times Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber beat Petra Martic 6-3 6-4 in the first round of Indian Wells on Wednesday while 2021 winner Paula Badosa withdrew ahead of her first round match with injury.

German Kerber, who returned to the tour in January after 18 months on maternity leave, beat Martic behind some solid serving on a sunny centre court before rain delayed play in the evening.