World number one, [Aryna Sabalenka](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/sinner-arrasa-tien-e-avanca-para-as-semifinais-em-indian-wells/), continues to demonstrate impressive consistency on the WTA circuit, reaching her sixth consecutive semifinal after a convincing victory over [Victoria Mboko](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/aryna-sabalenka-brilha-em-indian-wells-e-svitolina-vinga-se-de-swiatek/) with scores of 7-6(0), 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the [BNP Paribas](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/jack-draper-contesta-decisao-controversa-durante-jogo-com-medvedev-em-indian-wells/) Open. The Belarusian showed remarkable ability to save all five break points she faced during the match, proving she knows how to shine in the crucial moments that often decide the most intense encounters.
This victory keeps Sabalenka’s hopes alive of winning her first title at [Indian Wells](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/victoria-mboko-aprende-com-derrota-de-aryna-sabalenka-apos-boa-corrida-em-indian-wells/), having finished as the runner-up in 2023 and 2025. Although the result was in straight sets, the duel proved to be highly competitive, especially in the first set, where Mboko challenged the world number one in long rallies before the set was decided in an exciting tie-break.
After the match, Sabalenka described the encounter as a demanding test, expressing satisfaction with how she handled the decisive moments of each set. “Yes, it was a tough battle today,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion during the press conference. “I’m super happy with my performance. I’m satisfied with the level I maintained in the key moments of each set and, of course, happy to have advanced in this difficult stage.”
Sabalenka revealed that her ability to stay focused under pressure stems from a simple approach during tense situations, avoiding overthinking about the stage of the match. “I’m not really thinking about the record I have. I just try to play point by point, staying aggressive and basically taking it one step at a time.”
The Belarusian highlighted the importance of the tie-break in the first set, where she dominated with an impressive 7-0, thanks to a powerful serve and aggressive returns. When asked if her past success in tie-breaks gives her greater confidence, Sabalenka emphasized the importance of not relaxing in those situations, as that can quickly lead to mistakes. “No, not at all. I feel that the moment I start to feel relaxed, I will definitely start to lose. That’s why I have been really successful in those tie-breaks, because I take them very seriously.”
With this mindset, Sabalenka has been a dominant force on the circuit, reaching the semi-finals in six consecutive tournaments since last summer.
After the victory, Sabalenka praised Mboko and the new generation of tennis players, acknowledging the Canadian’s progress compared to their previous encounter at the Australian Open, where Sabalenka had already won 6-1, 7-6(1). “Yes, definitely a big improvement. She was serving much better than in the match in Australia. She certainly appeared more confident and played more boldly.”
The world number one also highlighted Mboko’s competitive spirit, mentioning the qualities that, in her view, could lead her to success in Grand Slams. “I see how aggressive she is, how passionate she is, how she fights on the court and never gives up. I see her as a future Grand Slam champion, no doubt.”
Sabalenka also reflected on an interesting statistic: the last seven female champions at Indian Wells were all 23 years old or younger. At 26, the Belarusian joked that this trend might not be in her favor, but she sees it as additional motivation. “Well, I think I don’t have many chances. Maybe because of the conditions, the younger ones are physically stronger, so they can handle the heat better than we, ‘older people’. But I will take this as motivation to break this statistic.”
In addition to tactics and physical preparation, Sabalenka highlighted the balance outside the court as a crucial factor for maintaining her level throughout the season. When asked what she considers her “superpower” at this stage of her career, she responded with her characteristic humor: “I don’t have a superpower. Maybe that’s my superpower.”
The Belarusian explained that finding a balance between tennis and life outside of competition has helped her stay mentally fresh throughout the demanding tour calendar. “I think my superpower is balancing this life on and off the court. I think that’s really important and where I’m doing a good job.”
Sabalenka will face the 14th seed, Linda Noskova, in the semifinals, after she defeated qualifier Talia Gibson 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. The Belarusian continues her quest for a first title at Indian Wells, aiming to take a step forward after two lost finals in the tournament.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
