Angelique Kerber crashes out to Denisa Allertova in Indian Wells shock

ByEurosport

Updated 13/03/2016 at 07:27 GMT

Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber crashed out of the second round at Indian Wells with a shock 7-5 7-5 defeat to Denisa Allertova.

Angelique Kerber

Image credit: AFP

Kerber, number two in the world after unseating Serena Williams in the final in Melbourne in January, fell to the world number 64 from Czech Republic.

Fitness appeared to be a problem as Kerber won only 55% of the points on her serve in a match which lasted one hour and 38 minutes.

ATP Madrid

Resurgent Nadal survives three-hour Cachin battle, Norrie crashes out

37 minutes ago

"I just tried to play and just focus on every point, tried moving and playing into the court," said Allertova afterwards.

"I don't know, I just tried to play my best! Just amazing feelings right now because she's an amazing player.

"I tried to play my best and I'm so happy that I won today. It's an amazing feeling."

Kerber was not the only high seed to fall, however, as fourth seeded Garbine Muguruza of Spain went down to American Christina McHale 7-5 6-1.

Muguruza struggled with her serve and was broken five times.

American Sloane Stephens, seeded 21st, was knocked out by Eugenie Bouchard 7-5 7-5.

"It was very very close. I got lucky with a netcord," Bouchard said.

"I just kept trying to fight and kept trying to step in a bit and dictate the point. That works well for me - I try to do that a lot.

"I just had so much fun playing tonight. Sloane played a great match."

British number one Johanna Konta, who lost to Kerber in the semi-finals in Australia, made the third round with a 6-4 6-0 over Madison Brengle of the USA.

Konta went into Indian Wells as the world number 26.