SA's Harris falls to Italian Berrettini at Indian Wells Masters

South Africa's Lloyd Harris was eliminated by Italian sixth-seed Matteo Berrettini at the Indian Wells Masters on Tuesday.

Berrettini won their third-round encounter 6-4, 7-5 to reach the last 16 in the Californian desert.

Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist last year, rallied from 2-5 down in the second set and saved three set points, including one on Harris' serve, before raising his level to advance after one hour and 32 minutes.

"It means a lot (to reach the fourth round)," Berrettini said in his on-court interview. "I like the conditions but for some reason, I have never been able to play my best tennis here. I am happy with my performance, Lloyd is a tough opponent. It feels really nice to reach the fourth round for the first time. Every year I am improving."

Refuse to Lose ??@MattBerrettini reaches R4 in Indian Wells for the first time, saving 3 set points on his way to defeat Harris 6-4 7-5! pic.twitter.com/l8JkWRV6bB

Berrettini will next face unseeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, who beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.

Harris, the 30th seed and world No 32, beat unseeded Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in his opening match on Sunday.

It's been a tough start to the year for the Capetonian - he lost his first five matches on the ATP Tour and also suffered a shock Davis Cup defeat to Israel's Yshai Oliel.

Berrettini is now 2-0 in head to head matches against Harris, having also won 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 when the pair met at the 2020 French Open.

Meanwhile, South Africa's other singles hopeful, Kevin Anderson, lost 6-3, 2-6, 2-6 to Australian Christopher O'Connell in the Indian Wells qualifying event.