Harriet Dart breaks into the world’s top 100 for the first time after her ascent continued with victory against Kaia Kanepi at the BNP Paribas Open – with achievement seeing three British women tennis stars beyond milestone
- British tennis is back to having three women players inside the world’s top 100
- Middlesex’s Harriet Dart broke through the barrier after beating Kani Kanepi
- Her memorable victory will guarantee her a double-digit ranking next week
British tennis is back to having three women players in the world’s top 100 after Middlesex’s Harriet Dart broke through the barrier for the first time.
The 25-year-old from north London continued her ascent by following up her victory over Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina with a 7-6, 6-3 upset of Estonian veteran Kaia Kanepi to make the last 16 of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California.
It will guarantee her a double-digit ranking next week, which would be cut further if she beats American Madison Keys in the fourth round.
British tennis has three women players in the world’s top 100 after Harriet Dart’s heroics
Dart qualified for the tournament and has earned her breakthrough after five times coming through the preliminary rounds at Grand Slams outside Wimbledon. She can now gain direct entry to the majors.
In the men’s game, Novak Djokovic returned to the world No 1 position – without hitting a ball and despite being back in Europe.
The Serb, 34, unable to compete in Indian Wells due to his unvaccinated Covid status, will regain his spot in the ATP rankings after a third-round loss by Daniil Medvedev.
The Russian, 26, who is playing with neutral status, was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 by Frenchman Gael Monfils, the husband of Svitolina.
Novak Djokovic returned to the No 1 position despite not hitting a ball and being in Europe
Advertisement
