Aryna Sabalenka beats Jaqueline Cristian to reach Indian Wells fourth round
World number one Aryna Sabalenka progressed to the fourth round at Indian Wells after securing a dominant straight-set victory over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian.
The Belarusian hit 23 winners to overcome a brief opening-set stumble and defeat the world number 35 by a 6-4 6-1 scoreline in California.
Despite double-faulting while attempting to serve out the first set, the top seed immediately broke back to claim the opener.
She then shifted through the gears to command the second set and safely secure her passage into the next stage of the tournament.
“I knew that she was not going to give up easily,” Sabalenka said of her opponent.
“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.”
Osaka awaits in blockbuster fourth-round clash
The Australian Open champion will now face former world number one Naomi Osaka in a highly anticipated contest.
The 16th-seeded Japanese star advanced to the last 16 by battling past Colombian Camila Osorio 6-1 3-6 6-1.
Osaka is currently making her return to the tour following an abdominal injury that forced her withdrawal ahead of the Australian Open third round in January.
“I reset my attitude and my shot selection,” Osaka explained to Sky Sports regarding her deciding-set performance against Osorio.
Zverev tested as Raducanu prepares for action
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Britain’s Emma Raducanu is preparing to take on sixth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova.
Fourth-ranked US star Coco Gauff has also been drawn against rising Philippine talent Alexandra Eala.
In the men’s event, German fourth seed Alexander Zverev survived a challenging three-set encounter to defeat American Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4.
Meanwhile, reigning world number two Jannik Sinner is scheduled to face Canadian Denis Shapovalov in his third-round tie.
