Aryna sabalenka triumphs in 100th match as World No. 1

By Ananya Rao / 07.03.2026

Aryna Sabalenka achieves milestone victory

Aryna Sabalenka marked a significant achievement in her career by winning her match against Himeno Sakatsume with a score of 6-4, 6-2 at Indian Wells. This victory not only secured her a place in the next round but also celebrated her 100th match as World No. 1.

The match lasted 72 minutes, during which Sabalenka showcased her strong performance, not facing a single break point. “I’m really happy with the way I was serving, with the way I was putting her on the back foot,” Sabalenka remarked after the match, reflecting on her strategy and execution.

Sabalenka’s victory comes after a runner-up finish at the Australian Open, where she aimed to capture her first Grand Slam title. Despite her previous disappointments at Indian Wells, where she has reached the finals twice but lost to Elena Rybakina in 2023 and Mirra Andreeva last year, she remains optimistic about her chances this time around.

In a notable personal touch, Sabalenka wore a stunning 12-carat diamond engagement ring during the match. She humorously noted, “I hope that my opponent will get distracted with this diamond and it’s going to benefit me.” This statement highlights her confidence and light-hearted approach to the match.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka’s next opponent will be Jaqueline Cristian, as she aims to advance further in the tournament. Observers are keen to see if she can capitalize on her current momentum and finally secure a title at Indian Wells.

As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Sabalenka navigates the challenges ahead, especially given her previous experiences at this venue. The excitement surrounding her performance continues to build as she strives for success in this prestigious event.