Sabalenka progresses as Medvedev reaches Indian Wells semis amid controversy

By Enitan Abdultawab

Aryna Sabalenka continued her strong run at the Indian Wells Open after defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 7–6(0), 6–4 to book a place in the semi-finals.

The world number one was pushed by the 19-year-old, who had enjoyed a breakthrough run at the tournament, but Sabalenka held her nerve in key moments. The Belarusian dominated the first-set tie-break, winning all seven points, before sealing the match with a decisive break in the second set.

Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in the tournament and will now face Linda Noskova, the 14th seed, for a place in the final.

On the other hand, Elina Svitolina reached the semi-finals for the second time at Indian Wells after defeating second seed Iga Swiatek 6–2, 4–6, 6–4.

Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina booked her place in the last four with a 6–1, 7–6(4) win over Jessica Pegula, setting up a semi-final clash with Svitolina.

In the men’s category, Daniil Medvedev progressed to the semi-finals after a 6–1, 7–5 victory over defending champion Jack Draper, though the match was overshadowed by a disputed decision during the second set.

With the score level at 5–5, Draper appeared to gesture that a Medvedev shot had gone long during a rally. After the point ended with Medvedev hitting the net, the Russian requested a video review from chair umpire Aurélie Tourte, arguing that Draper’s gesture constituted a hindrance.

Following the review, the umpire ruled in Medvedev’s favour and awarded him the point, a decision that shifted momentum in the Russian’s favour as he went on to break serve and close out the match.

Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner advanced comfortably with a 6–1, 6–2 victory over Learner Tien, firing 10 aces in a dominant performance.

Alexander Zverev also secured a semi-final spot after dispatching Arthur Fils 6–2, 6–3.

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