Jasmine Paolini stuns 2nd seed Aryna Sabalenka in Indian Wells

Jasmine Paolini created the upset of the event in Indian Wells by beating 2nd seed Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-3 6-3.

It's not been a spectacular year for Sabalenka so far as she continued to battle serving issues throughout the year. When she is not able to hit her serve, Sabalenka is quite vulnerable despite a devastating baseline game. Windy conditions in Indian Wells were not her aid today as she once again struggled with her serve at times, but overall it was not as terrible.

Her opponent, Paolini, tends to play aggressively and attack quite early in rallies which is something that doesn't suit Sabalenka. She prefers to play that way and early on she had the upper hand. Sabalenka came out on fire blasting away winners and not allowing Paolini to set up her own game. The Italian did create chances but did not convert a single break point.

That would change in the 2nd set where she was much sturdier overall. She was in rhythm and played great from the baseline. Sabalenka made it easier on her by serving rather poorly in the set and all of that allowed Paolini to take it with 6-3. The 3rd set was quite competitive as both played pretty well. Sabalenka had 40-15 on Paolini's serve at 3-3 but failed to convert that.

It proved costly because Sabalenka lost her own serve at 4-3 for Paolini giving the Italian a golden chance to finish off the upset. She did by winnign the next gaem and sending Sabalenka out of the event.