Tagger Upsets Gracheva at BNP Paribas Open
INDIAN WELLS/USA. Lilli Tagger started the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open with an exclamation mark. The 18-year-vintage Austrian used her wild card and beat Frenchwoman Varvara Gracheva in two sets in the round of 128. The next opponent is the former number three in the world rankings.
Austrian Teenager Secures Stunning Victory
On her debut in the WTA 1000 tournament category, Lilli Tagger (WTA 119) achieved a surprising win against a significantly higher-ranked player. The match took place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Surprisingly Clear Victory
Varvara Gracheva is ranked 58th in the world, well ahead of Tagger. It was all the more surprising that Tagger started the first round game with a break and clearly took the first set 6:2.
The second set remained competitive until 4:4 before Tagger managed the decisive break. The final score was 6:2, 6:4.
Key Stats from the Match
- Total Points Won: Tagger 65, Gracheva 47
- Break Points Won: Tagger 4/10, Gracheva 1/6
- Aces: Tagger 5, Gracheva 8
- Double Faults: Tagger 3, Gracheva 3
18-Year-Old Wins the Big Points
Tagger kept the match stable with her service and consistently took advantage of her chances. She converted four out of ten break points, while Gracheva only got through once out of six opportunities.
Next Up: Former World No. 3
Maria Sakkari (WTA 34) is now waiting for the Austrian in the second round of Indian Wells. Sakkari was ranked as high as third in the world in March 2022.
Match Details
BNP Paribas Open Official Website
V. Gracheva 24 L. Tagger [WC] 66
The BNP Paribas Open continues through March 15, 2026, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
FAQ
- What is Lilli Tagger’s current ranking? 119
- Who did Lilli Tagger defeat in the first round? Varvara Gracheva
- Who will Lilli Tagger play in the second round? Maria Sakkari
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the BNP Paribas Open.