Aryna Sabalenka has continued her bid for a first Indian Wells title, but Iga Swiatek, a two-time winner, is out of the competition.
Sabalenka Advances, Praises Opponent
Sabalenka described Victoria Mboko as a “future Grand Slam champion” after holding off the Canadian teenager. Mboko pushed Sabalenka hard in the opening set, but Sabalenka dominated the tie-break before finally breaking Mboko’s serve in the second set. The final score was 7-6 (7-0) 6-4.
Sabalenka, a two-time runner up at Indian Wells, praised Mboko’s bravery. She stated she has “no doubt” Mboko is destined for great things.
“A future star, a future Grand Slam champion, no doubt about that,” Sabalenka said of Mboko.
Sabalenka added, “It’s incredible to see these young girls these days, how brave they are. They go out there, they go after their shots, they’re aggressive, they’re fighting. It’s incredible to see and for sure we are going to play many more matches in the future.”
Sabalenka will face Linda Noskova in the semi-finals of the WTA 1,000 event. Noskova ended Australian qualifier Talia Gibson’s run with a 6-2 4-6 6-2 victory.
Swiatek Beaten by Svitolina
Iga Swiatek was beaten in three sets by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Svitolina will face Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina for a place in the final.
Swiatek, champion at Indian Wells in 2022 and 2024, was beaten 6-2 4-6 6-4. Swiatek will drop below Rybakina in the rankings next week.
Svitolina capitalised on a series of double faults to secure three breaks of serve and take the opening set in 38 minutes. Swiatek responded to force a decider. Svitolina secured the only break in a tight third set before closing out the match to reach the semi-finals for the first time in seven years.
Rybakina progressed with a 6-1 7-6 (7-4) win over American Jessica Pegula.
Zverev Joins Elite Company
Alexander Zverev said it felt “very special” to become just the fifth player to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP Masters 1,000 tournaments. He joins the ‘Big Four’ of the men’s game: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Zverev claimed a confident 6-2 6-3 victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils to reach the last four of the California-based tournament for the first time.
“It’s very special to be one of five players in history to ever do it,” Zverev said.
- Aryan Sabalenka has won nine WTA 1,000 titles in her career
- Alexander Zverev has won seven ATP Masters 1,000 titles
- Swiatek was champion at Indian Wells in 2022 and 2024
Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will face 14th seed Linda Noskova in the semi-finals of the prestigious WTA 1,000 event.