Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive showing at the BNP Paribas Open, defeating British unseeded player Sonay Kartal 6-1, 6-2 on March 12, 2025. This marked Sabalenka's second consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament held at Indian Wells, California.
Sabalenka, currently the world number one, delivered another dominant performance, dispatching Kartal with ease. The Belarusian broke her opponent's serve three times during the first set, gaining early control of the match. Despite minor resistance from Kartal, Sabalenka's solid return game and pressure on the serve allowed her to close the match swiftly within just 1 hour and 12 minutes.
"Yeah, I'm super happy with the win. After the first game, I felt like things wasn't going my way. I'm really happy I could recharge and start everything over again and close this match in straight sets," Sabalenka expressed following her victory. The win underlines her strong form as she progresses through the tournament.
Looking back on her recent matches, Sabalenka acknowledged the importance of managing energy and remaining prepared for tougher competitors. "Listen, I'm 26. I have played a lot of tournaments, been in a lot of different situations. Every player try to manage their energy and try to close every match as soon as possible just so they physically are ready for those tough matches," Sabalenka shared. This mentality has served her well, as she has faced few challenges en route to the quarterfinals.
Previously, Sabalenka had advanced through her matches against McCartney Kessler and Lucia Bronzetti, combining flair with strategy to keep opponents at bay. Those wins coupled with her 6-1, 6-2 scoreline against Kartal reflect her confidence and readiness for more challenging encounters. With this victory, Sabalenka has now won 17 consecutive matches against qualifiers and lucky losers.
Her upcoming opponent is Liudmila Samsonova, who reached the quarterfinals by defeating the sixth seed, Jasmine Paolini, convincingly with scores of 6-0, 6-4. Samsonova, the 24th seed, has had eight career wins over top 10 players and is expected to provide stiff competition for Sabalenka. "It was great to see her form, but I'm focused on my game," Sabalenka noted, emphasizing her concentration on her own performance rather than getting distracted by the strengths of her opponents.
Kartal's own run at the tournament is commendable, as she entered through as a lucky loser after overcoming significant competition, including wins against Varvara Lepchenko, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Polina Kudermetova. Despite her exit, Kartal's performance has showcased her potential and promise for future tournaments.
Sabalenka, who is eyeing her second title of the season, has established herself as the player to beat at Indian Wells. Her fierce determination and preparation indicate she is adjusting well to the pressures of high-stakes matches. The quarterfinal matchup against Samsonova promises to be thrilling, as both players look to lay claim to the title. With her current form, Sabalenka is not just competing; she’s dominating.
Fans will be watching closely, wondering if Sabalenka's strong play will lead her to another title at the BNP Paribas Open. With the blend of experience and skill, she is well-poised to continue this momentum and possibly secure yet another significant victory on the WTA tour.