Sabalenka progresses as Medvedev reaches Indian Wells semis amid controversy

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INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Aryna Sabalenka celebrates while playing Naomi Osaka of Japan during Day 7 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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