Indian Wells 2023: Lorenzo Sonego hits freak winner despite shanking overhead smash, leaves opponent Jason Kubler and himself in disbelief | WATCH

Lorenzo Sonego hit one of the most unsual winners of the year at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, leaving both himself and his opponent on the night, Jason Kubler, in disbelief.

After losing the opening set 4-6, the Italian opened serve in the second set hoping to stage a comeback. At 15-15, Sonego hit a powerful serve down the middle, causing Kubler to return to his backhand side. The resulting backhand was not strong enough to put the Australian on the defensive, as he efficiently covered the court for the next few shots hit on either side of the court.

Sonego, however, had advanced close to the net in the meantime and tried to finish off the rally with a volley close to the baseline. Off balance, Kubler managed to lob the ball over the 27-year-old, who in turn attempted a jumping overhead smash.

Lorenzo Sonego did not catch the ball sweetly though, only making contact with the very tip of his racquet. But that proved to be more than enough, as the ball landed with a slow thud over his opponent's side of the court, who was so far behind that he could not successfully chase it down.

The Italian himself was in disbelief at the way he managed to secure the point, a sentiment shared by Kubler as well. Both stood with their hands on their hips for a moment, scratching their heads at the way the point came to be, before resuming action.

Jason Kubler eventually went on to close the contest in straight sets, taking the second set 7-6(4) in the tiebreaker.

---

Lorenzo Sonego moves on to Miami Open, Jason Kubler takes on Grigor Dimitrov next

Following his opening-round exit from the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, Lorenzo Sonego will move on to the Miami Open next, which is scheduled to commence with main draw action on March 22. The Italian lost in the first round at both Indian Wells and Miami last year, a feat he will be hoping not to repeat this time around.

Jason Kubler, meanwhile, will take on 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov in the second round in Indian Wells. The two have never met on tour till date and will face each other for the first time on Friday. The winner of the clash will take on either 14th seed Frances Tiafoe or Marcos Giron in the next round.