With a categorical undefeated record behind her, Sabalenka reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells

A new performance by Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1 in the women’s world ranking) at the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells. The Belarusian beat 6-4 and 6-1 Jaqueline Cristian (35th) in the third round of the North American hard court competition to qualify for the round of 16 for the fifth time in his career, extending a categorical undefeated record.

In an exercise that fulfilled the logic, dominating practically completely with some small gaps closed in time, the top figure of the women’s circuit managed to achieve a new victory in the Californian desert against the Romanian, executioner of the Indonesian Janice Tjen (39th) and the Australian Maya Joint (29th) in three sets in the previous rounds.

Thanks to her highly effective serve, the leader of the WTA order prevented her opponent from entering the match and captured two important breaks that gave her enough distance to remain calm, doing just what was necessary to finish the match after 1h 11min 6-4, 6-1 and reach the round of 16 for the fifth time in her career.

Thanks to her performance against the 27-year-old Bucharest, Anton Dubrov’s pupil He extended his undefeated record to 23 matches won against players outside the Top 20. The last time someone below that lot took a victory from her was a year ago at the WTA 1000 in Dubai, when the Danish Clara Tauson (38th) surprised her in the round of 16.

After the emotional engagement with the Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis, the 27-year-old right-hander, who had reported the qualy Japanese Himeno Sakatsume (136th) at the premiere and was in favor of the inclusion of the five sets in the WTA circuit, has the opportunity to continue writing more chapters of this unforgettable edition of the contest.

On the near horizon she has the possibility of winning for the first time a title that on two occasions proved elusive, including last year against the Russian Mirra Andreeva, and of closing the gap in the race towards the WTA Finals which, for the moment, has the Kazakh Elena Rybakina (3rd) at the top.

To do this, the next step will be in search of the quarterfinals against the Japanese Naomi Osaka (16th) or the Colombian Camila Osorio (61st).

All the WTA 1000 activity from Indian Wells can be followed LIVE on Disney+ Premium Plan.