Federer chases Chung, Williams routs Suarez Navarro to reach semis

Defending champ Roger Federer equalled his best start to a season with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Chung Hyeong to book his spot in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters on Thursday. Federer, who is seeking a record sixth Indian Wells title, extended his win streak to 16 straight matches, matching the start he had to the 2006 ATP calendar season.

16 wins and counting for @rogerfederer in 2018 with the world No.1 ranking secured. https://t.co/ZtunTLH5Q4

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) March 16, 2018

In the semi-finals, Federer will face Croatian Borna Coric who outlasted seventh seeded Kevin Anderson 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). Federer won 70 percent of his first serve points, had just one double fault and broke Chung's serve four times in the one hour, 23 minute main stadium match. He clinched the victory on the second match point when he blasted his 12th and final ace of the contest.

Borna Identity

21-year-old Coric is through to his *FIRST* ATP Masters 1000 semifinal after topping Anderson 2-6 6-4 7-6(3).

He awaits the winner of Federer-Chung. #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/3r3oPMvqgY

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2018

Earlier this year he defended his title at the Australian Open, picking up his 20th Grand Slam win. Last month he claimed his 97th singles title with a victory in Rotterdam which helped him regain the world number one ranking and become the oldest No. 1 player in ATP history. And this victory guarantees he will hold onto the top spot after Indian Wells.

24-year-old Roger Federer has nothing on 36-year-old Roger Federer.

➡️ https://t.co/QsTwgaz7Cs #ATPMasters1000 #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/wBKt87WG42

— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 16, 2018

Meanwhile, Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams reached the WTA Indian Wells semi-finals for the first time since 2001 on Thursday by routing Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-3, 6-2. Despite the windy conditions, Williams improved to 5-2 on the season, including a third round win over sister Serena, who was making her return to the WTA after having a baby. Venus, who at 37 is the oldest player in the women's draw, has played sparingly this year but is just beginning to step up her game.

.@Venuseswilliams is into the @BNPPARIBASOPEN semifinals for the first time since 2001!

She downs Suarez Navarro, 6-3, 6-2! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/IXQlUNEcWC

— WTA (@WTA) March 16, 2018

"We've had a lot of great matches," Williams said of playing Suarez Navarro. "I was glad that I was able to close it out." She dominated Suarez Navarro, who became increasingly frustrated and had to call her coach a couple of times to come down to the court in between sets for advice. Wiliams is back in the semis in the California desert for the first time since pulling out before a semi-final match against Serena in 2001, with an injury.

The @Venuseswilliams court coverage never gets old!

She breaks Suarez Navarro and she will serve for the match! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/CaPhB2SZlF

— WTA (@WTA) March 16, 2018

Although she skipped the event for many years, Williams said she recalled her earliest appearance fondly. "This was my first breakout tournament when I was 16," Williams said. Williams improved to 6-3 lifetime against the 29-year-old Suarez Navarro as the two veterans faced off for the first time since the round of 16 at last year's US Open. Williams won that contest in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

.@Venuseswilliams nails the forehand winner and Will Ferrell seems impressed! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/DSyNY29nge

— WTA (@WTA) March 16, 2018