Following in the wake of Swiatek. Sabalenka advances to the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 in USA

The world's second-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, competing under a "neutral" status, has advanced to the round of 16 at the hardcourt WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, USA.

In the third round, Sabalenka defeated the 2021 US Open champion, Emma Raducanu (WTA 250), in straight sets in just 1 hour and 37 minutes.

WTA 1000 Indian Wells. Hard court. Round of 32:

Emma Raducanu (Great Britain) – Aryna Sabalenka [2] – 3:6, 5:7

This was the first meeting between the two players.

Sabalenka may face Ukraine's top-ranked player, Elina Svitolina, in the next round, provided Svitolina defeats Emma Navarro.

Earlier, the world's number one player, Iga Swiatek, also advanced to the fourth round.