Sabalenka holds off Raducanu; Gauff fends off Bronzetti to advance to Indian Wells Round of 16

Indian Wells (US), March 12 (IANS) No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the BNP Paribas Open Round of 16 after a challenging 6-3, 7-5 victory over Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion. Sabalenka, last year’s Indian Wells runner-up, faced tough competition from Raducanu in their first encounter.

Sabalenka managed to break for 3-2 in the opening set, initially appearing to dominate the match. However, Raducanu displayed resilience by saving two set points at 2-5, forcing Sabalenka to fight her way back from a 0-40 deficit at 5-3.

The match became even more intense as Raducanu reversed a break deficit in the second set. Although Sabalenka faced pressure, she regained her lead with a well-executed drop shot for 6-5, setting the stage for a thrilling final game.

In a fiercely contested last game, Sabalenka demonstrated her determination by saving three break points with impressive shots and finally securing the victory on her fourth match point with a forehand winner. Sabalenka will now await the winner of the match between Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro.

Meanwhile, US Open winner Coco Gauff showcased her skills by saving break points, seizing control of the match, and narrowly winning the second set tiebreak against Lucia Bronzetti with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (5). Gauff is set to face No.24 seed Elise Mertens on Wednesday, coinciding with Gauff’s 20th birthday.

Mertens, making her way to the Indian Wells Round of 16 for the first time, faced a tough challenge against former No.1 Naomi Osaka, ultimately winning 7-5, 6-4 in a closely contested match. The competition in the tournament continues to intensify as the top players strive for a spot in the quarterfinals.