Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, overcame a spirited challenge from 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu in a thrilling two-set encounter at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
Sabalenka, seeded second in the tournament, displayed her power and precision throughout the match, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 37 minutes. The victory marked her first since capturing her second Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Raducanu, who has been plagued by injuries since her US Open triumph, showed glimpses of her former brilliance but ultimately fell short against the more experienced Sabalenka. The young Brit had eased into the third round after her opponent, Dayana Yastremska, retired early in their match.
The opening set began with both players holding serve comfortably. However, Sabalenka seized control with a dominant stretch, winning 15 of 18 points to earn a pair of set points at 5-2. Raducanu fought back valiantly, saving both set points and threatening to level the set at 4-4.
Sabalenka regained her composure and closed out the set with an audacious net approach, securing the first set with 19 winners.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sabalenka breaking Raducanu’s serve early on. However, Raducanu responded with a break of her own, drawing cheers from the crowd.
As the set reached its climax, Sabalenka’s experience proved crucial. She broke Raducanu’s serve once more and held her nerve to serve out the match, despite Raducanu saving three match points.
Sabalenka’s victory sets up a potential quarterfinal clash with another former US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu. Raducanu, despite the defeat, showed encouraging signs of her return to form and will look to build on her performance in the upcoming tournaments.
