Alexandr Dolgopolov, of Ukraine, celebrates as he defeats Rafael Nadal, of Spain, their match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Monday, March 10, 2014, in Indian Wells, Calif. Dolgopolov won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (5). AP
INDIAN WELLS – Alexandr Dolgopolov toppled world number one and defending champion Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) Monday in the third round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters.
Ukraine’s Dolgopolov, ranked 31st in the world and seeded 28th in the first Masters tournament of the year, notched his first victory over the Spanish superstar after five prior defeats.
The most recent of those was in the claycourt final at Rio de Janeiro two weeks ago.
Dolgopolov next faces Italy’s Fabio Fognini, a 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 winner over France’s Gael Monfils.
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