Jessica Pegula was one step away from reaching the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, but the third favorite of the WTA 1000 competition could not collect four match points and was eliminated by Petra Kvitova.

>> Sorana Kirstea, fantastic quarter-final qualification in Indian Wells – duel with the world leader

Jessica Pegula, a dramatic defeat by Petra Kvitova

The 2011 and 2014 Wimbledon champion Kvitova won after two hours and 15 minutes of play with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(11).

Petra led 5-3 in the deciding set, saved her first match point in the tenth game and three more in the tiebreak. And the Czech missed three opportunities, but had stronger nerves and eventually won.

Know:

• Kvitova (15 WTA) will fight for a place in the quarters with the Greek Maria Sakkari (favorite 7).

• Petra is the fourth player to reach at least 35 WTA 1000 quarterfinals, following Agnieszka Radwanska (42), Simona Halep (39) and Caroline Wozniacki (36).

>> VIDEO Emma Reducanu was decisively defeated by the world leader in the 1/8 finals of Indian Wells

Indian Wells, scores recorded eighth

Coco Gauff (6) – Rebecca Peterson 6-3, 1-6, 6-4

Maria Sakkari (7) – Karolina Plishkova (17) 6-4, 5-7, 6-3

Aryna Sabalenko (2) – Barbora Krejchikova (16) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4

Karolina Mukhova – Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, (2) 6-7, 6-4

Petra Kvitova (15) – Jessica Pegula (3) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(11)

Sorana Kirstea – Caroline Garcia (5) 6-4, 4-6, 7-5

Olena Rybakina (10) – Varvara Grachova 6-3, 6-0

Iga Svyatek (1) – Emma Radukanu 6-3, 6-1.

Indian Wells, Quarterfinals

Iga Svyatek (1) – Sorana Kirstya

Karolina Mukhova – Olena Rybakina (10)

Maria Sakkari (7) – Petra Kvitova (15)

Coco Gauf (6) – Aryna Sabalenko (2).

Indian Wells will be held from March 6-19 on hard and 96 players have started in the two main draws. The contest offers $8,800,000 each for men and women. Titled champions – Taylor Fritz and Iga Svyatek.