Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned at Indian Wells

Daniil Medvedev returns to Gael Monfils yesterday. Pic/AFP

Daniil Medvedev was sent crashing out of the ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters in a stunning defeat to Gael Monfils on Monday that ended the Russian's three-week reign as World No.1.

On a day of upsets in the California desert, Medvedev was the highest profile casualty to be sent packing, outfoxed 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 by veteran Frenchman Monfils. The shocks continued in the evening session as Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas tumbled out to 21-year-old American Jenson Brooksby. Brooksby, ranked 43rd in the world, advanced to the last 16 with a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Earlier, Monfils, 35, scored his first victory over a World No.1 since 2009 with a superb display to dispose of US Open champion Medvedev. The defeat means Novak Djokovic will on Monday return to the top of the world rankings, three weeks after Medvedev became No.1. Monfils sealed victory in 2hr 6min after converting his sixth match point. "I'm in my zone and I'm a tough opponent for anyone," Monfils said. "It's been a long time since I've beaten a world No.1, so I'm pretty happy."

Medvedev said he would aim to reclaim his No.1 ranking at the Miami Open next week. "Now I know I'm going to lose it [the ranking], so I have Miami to try to get it back," Medvedev said. "Usually feeling a little bit better in Miami in terms of tennis. When I play my best tennis, it's really tough to beat me."

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