Djoko, Murray, Sharapova ease thru in Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, California – Defending champion Novak Djokovic dispatched Marcos Baghdatis, 6-1, 6-3, in 59 minutes to reach the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday night, improving his record to 8-0 against the Cypriot.

Djokovic is the defending champion at Indian Wells, where he is bidding to win his 50th career title. He’s currently tied with coach Boris Becker at 49.

“It does feel that this is one of the strongest tournaments that we have on the tour after the Grand Slams,” Djokovic said. “Maybe that is the case why it’s difficult to win it twice in a row.”

Andy Murray beat Vasek Pospisil, 6-1, 6-3, with the hard-serving Canadian making it easier with 35 unforced errors.

Two-time champion Maria Sharapova needed six match points before putting away Yanina Wickmeyer, 6-1, 7-5, in her bid to become the first woman to win the tournament three times.