• Indian Wells semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka storms through.
• Gauff had few options as a result of Sabalenka’s thunderous groundstrokes.
• Gauff made a total of 12 winners with half a dozen aces.

In a dominant performance, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated US teenager Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the WTA and ATP Masters 1000 semi-finals on Wednesday in Indian Wells.

After winning at Adelaide and winning her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne, Sabalenka, aiming for a third title this year, needed just 64 minutes to subdue the young American star and set up a matchup with either Petra Kvitova, who has won Wimbledon twice, or Maria Sakkari, who finished second at Indian Wells last year.

Gauff had few options as a result of Sabalenka’s thunderous groundstrokes and complete command of her serve.

The Belarussian had a total of 18 wins and five aces. She served three consecutive unreturnable points to win the match without facing a break point.

Sabalenka said, “It was a great match, I felt really great on court.”

“I just put a lot of pressure on her serve and that’s why she was struggling, especially in the second set with her serve. That helped me win this match in two sets.”

She vindicated a misfortune to Gauff at Toronto last year and restricted the hole in their no holds barred, subsequent to losing three of four earlier matches against the American.

Sabalenka said, “I didn’t really think about our previous matches, I feel a little bit different on the court this year. I feel like I’m a little bit different player.”

“I knew if I’m going to bring my tennis on court today, that I’ll have all of chances to win this match.”

Under Sabalenka’s intense pressure, Gauff made a total of 12 winners with half a dozen aces, but she made 14 more unforced errors than her opponent.

Battle-tested competition awaits Sabalenka’s next opponent. While Kvitova, a former world number two who is now ranked 15th, saved four match points in her victory over third-ranked Jessica Pegula in the fourth round, Sakkari, who is ranked seventh, has needed three sets in all three of her matches thus far.

Also Read

Aryna Sabalenka wins to 3rd round in Indian Wells as she extends her winning streak

Aryna Sabalenka wins to 3rd round in Indian Wells. Aryna Sabalenka easily...