straight-set

More weirdness: John Isner won by taking three tiebreakers in four sets; Janko Tipsarevic became the 17th player to retire from or default a match, quitting in the fourth set against Novak Djokovic; Serena Williams continued to make coming back after missing nearly a full year due to injuries look like a walk in the park with a straight-set win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova; and a group of umpires sued the USTA over overtime.

Schedule Shift Caps Another Bizarre Day Matthew Futterman 2011

But by one tennis maven's reckoning, the best player in the world and best bet to win Indian Wells is the one who has exited his last two events in straight-set losses to Djokovic: Roger Federer.

Reinventing the Way We Rank Tennis Players 2011

On this particular day, viewers were treated to a second serving of Serena Williams's straight-set beat-down of Ana Ivanovic.

Live, and in HD: an Empty Tennis Court 2011

Andrew Brownbill/Associated Press Roger Federer making a backhand return during his straight-set defeat of Juan Martin Del Potro, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

Australian Open: Week Two 2012

Murray has a 6-2 edge against Roddick, including a straight-set win at Wimbledon in 2006.

Roddick edges Hewitt to join Federer, Murray, Haas in semis 2009

Andy Murray serves during his straight-set victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray keeps Britain's hopes alive for Wimbledon title 2009

Ivanovic looked mostly strong, if a bit inconsistent on her first serve, in her straight-set win over Ksenia Pervak.

Slower Courts? Blame It on the Hurricane 2011

Getty Images Victoria Azarenka Caroline Wozniacki lost just four games on her way to a straight-set win then once again answered questions about her confidence and her number one ranking despite a mantel that still lacks a Grand Slam trophy win.

Slower Courts? Blame It on the Hurricane 2011

Improved his title streak to nine consecutive years (since 2001) with his 27th career title, third-most (w/Hewitt) among active players (behind Federer-59, Nadal-36) … He led the U.S. to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over the Federer-less Switzerland squad with straight-set wins over Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka … He faced only one break point in six sets of action en route to becoming the second-winningest player in U.S.

The latest news and notes on the ATP's top 20 players 2009

EnlargeBy Quinn Rooney, Getty ImagesElena Dementieva vents her frustration after hitting an unforced error during her straight-set loss to Serena Williams.

Serena conquers Dementieva, faces Safina in Australian final 2009