Masters 1000 in Indian Wells: Fils and Halys deliver, Moutet knocked out by Rune

After Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Ugo Humbert qualified for the third round, two other French players could do the same in the night from Friday to Saturday.

Arthur Fils, ranked 21st in the world, wanted to reassure himself after two consecutive defeats against Altmaier in Rotterdam and then against Borges in Dubai.

Facing Canadian lucky loser Gabriel Diallo, Fils displayed a conquering attitude. Solid, he converted five break points out of the eight he managed to earn, and was also serious in rallies to pull ahead (14 winners, 13 unforced errors).

In the end, Fils won without any scares (6-2, 6-2) and will face Lorenzo Musetti, who eliminated Roman Safiullin in three sets (7-5, 5-7, 6-2).

On the other hand, Corentin Moutet will not be Ugo Humbert's next opponent. The Frenchman, who had knocked out Jordan Thompson in the previous round, saw the level rise against the world number 13, against whom Moutet had won their only encounter three years ago in Adelaide.

This time, Rune did not fall into the trap and managed to win in two sets (6-2, 6-4). The Dane, who is struggling to kickstart his season despite reaching the second week of the Australian Open where he lost to the eventual champion Jannik Sinner, will face another French player in Humbert for a spot in the round of 16. Rune currently leads their head-to-head with three wins to zero.

Finally, Quentin Halys also advanced to the second round. While his match against Pablo Carreño-Busta had been interrupted the previous day, the Frenchman, who was leading by a set and a break, finished the job.

Against the Spaniard, Halys faced more difficulties on his serve, getting broken in each of his first two service games upon resumption.

But in the end, he did not falter when serving for the win (6-3, 6-4). He will face Carlos Alcaraz, world number 3 and two-time defending champion, this Saturday.