Nick Kyrgios has issued a parting shot at his opponent Casper Ruud after defeating the world number eight to reach the last 16 in Indian Wells.

His victory followed Daria Saville's marathon three-set victory over Belgian 20th seed Elise Mertens in the women's singles draw.

Kyrgios made a mockery of the rankings with a merciless mauling of Ruud, winning 6-4, 6-4.

The Australian made it clear bad blood between the pair remains after swatting the Norwegian away with another serving masterclass.

The two had not clashed since Kyrgios infamously defaulted himself after throwing a chair onto the court during the 2019 Italian Open in Rome.

Ruud called Kyrgios out afterwards, suggesting he deserved to be banned for six months.

Kyrgios posted an Instagram apology a few hours later saying emotions got the better of him but he and Ruud continued to trade some long-range barbs.

Three years on and Kyrgios had the last laugh after crunching seven aces and having almost half his serves untouched to send Ruud packing after just 76 minutes.

"I hear no talking now. None. F**king none," Kyrgios fired at Ruud after claiming the win.

It is the first time Kyrgios has reached the last 16 in Indian Wells in five years.

Kyrgios's impressive victory set up a fourth-round showdown with Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner.

Despite needing a wildcard entry and languishing at number 132 in the world, Kyrgios will fancy his chances against Sinner.

Another win could earn Kyrgios a shot at Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal, who remains unbeaten in 2022 after powering past Dan Evans in straight sets in his third-round match.

Nadal triumphed 7-5, 6-3 over 27th seed Evans.

Saville stuns Mertens

Saville's giant-killing run in Indian Wells continued, as she reached the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.

Saville, who had to qualify for the main draw, got past Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in 2 hours and 55 minutes to back up her victory over ninth seed Ons Jabeur in the previous round.

The result continues a superb comeback season for the former world number 20, who has battled an Achilles tendon injury in recent years that eventually required surgery.

While the Russia-born Australian started 2022 off slowly, she recently defeated US Open champion Emma Raducanu in Mexico when the top-seeded Briton retired after more than three hours on court.

Starting the tournament ranked 409th in the world, Saville will soar up the rankings regardless of the outcome of her meeting with world number six Maria Sakkari in the next round.

Sakkari made light work of Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-0 in their third-round match.

Among other results in the women's draw, two-time winner Victoria Azarenka lost 6-3, 6-4 to Elena Rybakina, while fourth seed Anett Kontaveit was ousted by Marketa Vondrousova 3-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5).

AAP/Wires