Azarenka and Sharapova to face off in Indian Wells third round

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus got off to a good start at BNP Paribas Indian Wells.

Victoria Azarenka, the No.32 seed, cruised through the first set of the second-round match and then battled back from 4:2 down in the second set to close out Kirsten Flipkens in two sets, 6:2, 6:4.

The No.2-seeded Maria Sharapova followed Azarenka into the third round by a similar scoreline closing out former US Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer, 6:1, 7:5.

Sharapova and Azarenka both conquered Indian Wells before. Sharapova is a two-time champion: in 2006 and 2013, while Azarenka has one BNP Paribas Open title in 2012 beating Sharapova in the final.

Azarenka also leads Sharapova in their head-to-head series, 7-6: Sharapova has won their last two meetings, while Azarenka has won their last six meetings at outdoor hardcourt tournaments.