World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, after progressing to the third round at Indian Wells, was asked about the significance of winning this tournament. She recalled her final loss to Elena Rybakina in 2023.
Sabalenka jokingly commented on the trophy, saying, “I’m not a big fan of the smaller trophy I have at home. I’d prefer to win the bigger one here.”
The Belarusian player also provided a mid-season assessment.
She reflected on her performance, stating, “I don’t believe I showcased my best tennis during the Middle East series, although I performed exceptionally well in Australia. Naturally, the final didn’t go as planned, but that’s part of the sport. There have been both highs and lows, but currently, I’m feeling an improvement. I am now hungrier for victories compared to how I felt in the Middle East. With only three months of the year passed, it’s premature to fully evaluate the season.”
