Aryna Sabalenka is enjoying a phenomenal run of form, with her latest efforts resulting in an Indian Wells quarterfinal spot.
Sabalenka is likely heading for big success, and that could start in California, where she has just knocked out Naomi Osaka.
The current world number one beat the former world number one 6-2, 6-4 in the round of 16, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Victoria Mboko.
Sabalenka is the top seed at the WTA 1000 tournament, and now meets 10th seed Mboko for a spot in the semifinals.
The Canadian youngster definitely represents a real threat at Indian Wells, but the Belarusian can be quietly confident of success thanks to her stunning run.
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Aryna Sabalenka continues stunning quarterfinal run at Indian Wells
After knocking out Osaka, Sabalenka has now reached at least the quarterfinals of every tournament she has played in since last year’s event at Indian Wells.
It is ridiculously consistent from the world number one, who looks like being the player to beat in California, even with others also enjoying impressive ventures in the desert.
Her remarkable run began this time last year, when Sabalenka progressed to the Indian Wells final before losing to Mirra Andreeva.
A reunion this year isn’t possible after the defending champion’s early exit, but there is every chance that the Belarusian reaches another final, or indeed goes one step further.
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Aryna Sabalenka issues clear message to WTA rivals
With Sabalenka’s fine run at Indian Wells so far, she has issued a clear reminder to the rest of the WTA players.
Perhaps above all else, the 27-year-old has shown that she doesn’t need to play that often to remain an extremely formidable opponent.
Sabalenka has been smart with her schedule so far in 2026, which started with a title at the Brisbane International.
She reached the Australian Open final immediately after, losing out to Elena Rybakina, before deciding to skip the likes of the Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The 22-time WTA champion entered Indian Wells with just 12 matches played, and notably boasted a fantastic 11-1 win-loss record.
| Year | Titles | Tournaments |
| 2026 | 3 | Miami Open, Indian Wells, Brisbane |
| 2025 | 4 | US Open, Madrid, Miami, Brisbane |
| 2024 | 4 | Wuhan, US Open, Cincinnati, Australian Open |
| 2023 | 3 | Adelaide #1, Australian Open, Madrid |
| 2021 | 2 | Abu Dhabi, Madrid |
| 2020 | 3 | Doha, Ostrava, Linz |
| 2019 | 3 | Shenzhen, Wuhan, Zhuhai |
| 2018 | 2 | New Haven, Wuhan |
She’s clearly looking after her physical and mental health with rest and recovery, but at the same time can easily switch back into game mode when she needs to.
The sharpness is evident from the nature of her results, with Sabalenka yet to drop a set at Indian Wells, having dropped her only set at the Australian Open against Rybakina.
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