Aryna SABALENKA escapes match points and stuns Peyton STEARNS in memorable match

Aryna Sabalenka teetering on the edge, saved four match points to overcome Peyton Stearns (No. 64) 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6) at Indian Wells. The Belarusian endured a marathon match against the American former junior world No. 1, who played an extraordinary game but couldn't seal the victory.

In the first set, Stearns took the initiative and secured the first break after a couple of unforced errors from Sabalenka. The former world No. 1 responded with an immediate break, but she couldn't defend her service, and the American took a 4-2 lead. Later on, the world No. 64 had the opportunity to close the set with her service, but Sabalenka recovered the break, extending the set to a tie-break, where she triumphed 7-2.

Sabalenka had a mere 53% first-service rate, winning 78% of them and only 38% with the second service. Stearns, on the other hand, maintained consistency throughout the set with a 60% first-service rate, winning 62% of them and 65% with the second.

As the second set began, Sabalenka started responding to the service deeper into the court and was vastly superior to her opponent, winning short points from the baseline. The 2-times Grand Slam champion secured two breaks to claim the set in 36 minutes.

In the third set, both players showcased their best repertoire. While the Belarusian didn't give opportunities with her service, Stearns fought from behind to stay in the match. Sabalenka wasted two break points in the sixth game, and the equality persisted with a deafening atmosphere from the crowd.

With the score at 4-4, the local player secured the break and had the chance to finish the match with her service. However, the pressure got to her, and she squandered four match points in her favor before conceding her service to Sabalenka.

In a tense 18-point game where Stearns achieved the break to lead 6-5, she again had the service in her favor to claim victory but failed once more. Everything was ultimately decided in the tie-break. The world No. 2 even faced losing three match points in her favor but ultimately secured an outstanding victory with a score of 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6).

In the third round, she will face an exciting matchup for fans against the 2021 US Open champion, Emma Raducanu, who advanced due to her second-round opponent Dayana Yastremska's injury (4-0, ret.).