Aryna Sabalenka ‘super-focused’ to reach Indian Wells fourth round

“Super-focused” world number one Aryna Sabalenka has 23 wins as she beat Jaqueline Cristian to advance to the fourth round at Indian Wells.

The 27-year-old Belarusian was on course to take the opening set but double-faulted while trying to serve.

A quick comeback allowed the four-time Grand Slam champion to take the lead 6-4, which he followed up with victory by winning the second set 6-1.

“I knew he wouldn’t give up easily,” Sabalenka said about world number 35 Romanian Cristian.

“That’s why I was very focused on my serve specifically. I didn’t want to give him too many opportunities so [I was] “I’m very happy with the serve, the game and of course the win.”

She will next face 16th-ranked Japanese Naomi Osaka, who defeated Colombian Camila Osorio 6-1 3-6 6-1.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka is participating in her first tournament since withdrawing from her Australian Open third-round match in January with an abdominal injury.

Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, the 28-year-old said she had reset her “demeanor and shot selection” before the deciding set and was “pretty excited” to play Sabalenka from now on.