Angelique Kerber needed three sets to avoid being upset at the WTA tournament in Indian Wells, California, while 2015 champion Simona Halep wasn’t so fortunate.

Kerber outlasted Pauline Parmentier of France 7-5 3-6 7-5 in the third round on Monday when temperatures soared to 36C under cloudless skies in the Southern California desert.

That’s nearly 20 degrees higher than the seasonal average of 25C.

Kerber is already assured of returning to the top spot in the WTA Tour rankings next week, supplanting Serena Williams, who withdraw before the tournament began, citing a left knee injury.

Fourth-seeded Halep lost to 28th-seeded Kristina Mladenovic of France 6-3 6-3.

American Lauren Davis defeated Julia Goerges of Germany 6-1 6-4.

Venus Williams and Madison Keys play later.