World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka managed to fight off a strong challenge from the young Canadian star Victoria Mboko in the Indian Wells 2026 quarterfinals. Sabalenka recorded a 7-6(0), 6-4 win with a calm display and earned her third consecutive spot in the semifinals this season.

The Belarusian ace has looked unstoppable the whole tournament and hasn't lost a set yet; however, Mboko, the 19-year-old who won the Canadian Open in 2025, had almost reached a point where she could have defeated the four-time Grand Slam winner. In the first set, Sabalenka showed her great form in the tiebreak by winning all seven points, and she managed to win by one break in the last set.

Aryna Sabalenka holds firm; Daniil Medvedev advances after a controversial call

The semifinals basically came down to Aryna Sabalenka playing really well and Daniil Medvedev winning in a way that got people talking. Sabalenka made it through a tough match and is next set to play Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic, who's the 14th seed, in the semifinals for the Indian Wells title.

Daniil Medvedev made it to the semifinals by beating Jack Draper, the reigning champion, 6-1, 7-5. However, there was a controversial call by the umpire in the second set that ended up being a bigger talking point than the match itself.

Draper's actions clearly showed he believed Medvedev's shot went out of bounds. The Russian player asked the umpire, Aurelie Tourte, to check the video replay after the point. Medvedev had hit the net, and that was how the rally ended. Tourte thought Draper's gesture could have upset other people because it seemed like he was challenging authority. So, she just gave the point to Medvedev.

Also Read: From Australian Open victory to ink: Carlos Alcaraz eyes kangaroo tattoo after Grand Slam win

That play really helped Medvedev out when he was down 0-30. It set him up to break serve and win the match eventually.

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner beat Learner Tien 6-1, 6-2. He served up 10 aces, which really kept the 20-year-old American from getting into the match. Alexander Zverev beat Arthur Fils from France 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the next round.

Elina Svitolina made it to the Indian Wells semifinals again. This is her second time doing so, and she got there by beating the second seed, Iga Swiatek, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Elena Rybakina overcame Jessica Pegula with a 6-1, 7-6(4) win and will next face Svitolina in the semifinals.