Aryna Sabalenka began the 2026 season with a title at the WTA 500 in Brisbane and followed it up with a run to the Australian Open final. However, the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne proved heartbreaking for the second consecutive year, as she came up short in the championship match. Sabalenka had built a 3-0 lead in the deciding set, only to watch Elena Rybakina mount a stunning comeback, winning five consecutive games to seize control and ultimately claim the title. Rybakina secured the trophy.
The Belarusian player opted to skip February’s events in the Middle East. After withdrawing from Doha, it appeared she might compete in Dubai, having traveled to the region. However, just hours before the tournament draw was released, news emerged that both the world No. 1 and Iga Świątek withdrew from the WTA 1000 event in the United Arab Emirates.
Sabalenka’s return to action came at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. She received a bye in the first round, meaning her tournament began in the second phase. Her opening match was scheduled for Friday evening in Poland. She faced Himeno Sakatsume, ranked No. 136 in the world, who had battled through qualifying to reach the main draw, having defeated Alycia Parks in the qualifying rounds. Despite a lengthy absence from professional competition, Sabalenka entered the match as a clear favorite.
WTA Indian Wells: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Himeno Sakatsume in the Second Round
Sakatsume served first to begin the match. An immediate break opportunity arose for Sabalenka, despite Sakatsume leading 30-15. The break materialized on the very first chance. Both players then held serve in the following games, a positive development for Sabalenka. During the fifth game, another break point opportunity presented itself for the WTA No. 1, but she failed to convert any of her four chances.
Frustration was visible on Sabalenka’s face as she sought to extend her lead and create a more comfortable margin. However, Sakatsume managed to stay in the contest, forcing Sabalenka to remain focused on her own serve through the remainder of the set. Sabalenka successfully navigated those challenges, ultimately taking the first set 6-4. Both players posted similar statistics: 11 winners to 10 unforced errors for Aryna, and 9 winners to 14 unforced errors for her opponent.
The second set began with Sakatsume serving. She held her serve to start, and even led 30-15 on Sabalenka’s return. However, the top seed held serve and then broke Sakatsume to seize the lead for the first time in the set. This sparked a dominant run for Sabalenka, as she reeled off five consecutive games to move within striking distance of victory. She closed out the set 6-4, 6-2 after 70 minutes of play. In the third round, she will face the winner of the match between Jaqueline Cristian and Maya Joint.
