Sabalenka 'super-focused' for Indian Wells win
World number one Aryna Sabalenka described herself as "super-happy" with her serving after securing a victory over Jaqueline Cristian to advance to the fourth round at Indian Wells.
The 27-year-old Belarusian, known for her aggressive play, delivered 23 winners in the match. Despite being on course to take the opening set, Sabalenka double faulted while attempting to serve it out.
However, Cristian quickly broke back, allowing Sabalenka to clinch the set 6-4. She then dominated the second set, winning 6-1 to seal the match.
"I knew that she was not going to give up easily," Sabalenka said of Romanian Cristian, ranked world number 35.
"That's why I was super-focused, especially on my serve. I didn't want to give her much opportunity so [I was] super-happy with the serving, with the game and of course with the win."
Sabalenka's next opponent will be 16th-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan, who defeated Colombian Camila Osorio 6-1, 3-6, 6-1.
Osaka, also a four-time Grand Slam champion, is competing in her first tournament since withdrawing before her Australian Open third-round match in January due to an abdominal injury.
Speaking to Sky Sports after her match, the 28-year-old said she had reset her "attitude and my shot selection" before the deciding set and expressed excitement about facing Sabalenka next.
Kartal saves match point in Indian Wells victory
Other notable third-round matches in California include Britain's Emma Raducanu facing sixth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova, while fourth-ranked Coco Gauff, also from the US, is set to play rising Philippines player Alexandra Eala.
In the men's draw, fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev was pushed to three sets but ultimately defeated American Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4.
World number two Jannik Sinner is scheduled to face Canadian Denis Shapovalov in upcoming rounds.
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