In a dramatic match at Indian Wells, Aryna Sabalenka saved four match points to defeat Peyton Stearns, ranked No.54 in the WTA, with scores of 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6). Sabalenka, describing her performance as 'fighting like a TIGER!', made a remarkable comeback from 4-5* 0-40 in the third set. This victory secures her a place in the third round against Emma Raducanu, who advanced after her opponent, Dayana Yastremska, retired 4-0 down in the first set. The match between Sabalenka and Stearns has been highlighted as one of the tournament's most thrilling encounters, showcasing Sabalenka's resilience and Stearns' competitive spirit.
Sabalenka saves 4 MPs in wild opening round battle with Stearns in Indian Wells. https://t.co/yn65Pq9QPT https://t.co/uXcdbId9QN
"No way she's made that!" 👏 It was a thrilling battle between Aryna Sabalenka and American youngster Peyton Stearns last night 🔥🔥 https://t.co/dnWKdQuvHT
What a COMEBACK from Sabalenka 😳 The Australian Open champ needed to save 4 match points to turn the tables against WTA No.54 Peyton Stearns, finally beaten 6-7 6-2 7-6 Worrying for Aryna? https://t.co/UpuLnaa4mr
"I was fighting like a TIGER!" 🐯 Aryna Sabalenka reflects on beating Peyton Stearns in three sets, saving FOUR match points along the way 🤯 https://t.co/b7l9QiCvrS
The PASSION from Aryna Sabalenka! 🔥 The world No. 2 SAVES four match points before overcoming Peyton Stearns in a three-set epic! 💪 She will play Emma Raducanu next! 🍿 https://t.co/v0Jnh1jqMo
Match of the tournament so far from Sabalenka and Stearns. Sabalenka saves 4 MPs with maximum grit; Stearns shows she has the game to play, and entertain, with anyone. https://t.co/5HnepWNbwK
Converting on her 4th match point & saving 4 herself, Aryna Sabalenka beats Stearns 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6)! Faces Raducanu next for a spot in the Fourth Round. #TennisParadise https://t.co/ibyrcf9gWT
Aryna Sabalenka saves four match points and wins on her fourth match point against American Peyton Stearns. What a match at Indian Wells.
Indian Wells R2: A. Sabalenka (BLR) outlasts P. Stearns (USA) 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6) saved 4 MPs MATCH, WHAT A
WHAT A BATTLE! Two time AusOpen champ and 2023 IW runner up Aryna Sabalenka survives Peyton Stearns in a fantastic match 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6) to reach the 3rd round at the Desert. Incredible comeback from 4-5* 0-40 in the 3rd. Saved FOUR match points! Faces Raducanu on Monday! https://t.co/p5Bf42MZx4
Stearns served for the match twice. Got broken twice. No MPs saved this time from Sabalenka. 3rd set tiebreak after almost three hours. Amazing match.
Stearns breaks again in a longggg game and will serve for the match once again. At least it looks like Sabalenka didn't get injured from that situation.
This is a great match! @SabalenkaA #Stearns @BNPPARIBASOPEN
Sabalenka vs. Stearns is why we love tennis ❤️🎾 What a battle between these two! #TennisParadise
WOW! Sabalenka saves FOUR match points, three of them consecutive, in the Stearns' serve. And breaks back! 5-5.
Sabalenka saves three consecutive match points at 4-5* 0-40!
Peyton Stearns will serve for the match against Aryna Sabalenka at 5-4 in the third. Has been a good one. #BNPParibasOpen
Sabalenka vs. Stearns 4-4 in the decider. https://t.co/3ALNTkhbfr
These last two games from Sabalenka. 🔥 6-7(2), 6-2 vs. Stearns.
Emma Raducanu reaches major milestone as Indian Wells opponent retires after four games https://t.co/CC48s0pWQW
Emma Raducanu into third round at Indian Wells after Yastremska abandons https://t.co/bZmKGBsycS
Get well soon, Dayana 🤞 Down 4-0 in the first set, Dayana Yastremska was forced to retire against Emma Raducanu. Raducanu advances into the third round at Indian Wells. #TennisParadise https://t.co/gJ3GrW7xZE
Yastremska retires 0-4 down in the first set. Emma Raducanu advances into the 3rd round in Indian Wells and will now face Stearns or... Sabalenka! https://t.co/QShxyj6iOy