Aryna Sabalenka got her Indian Wells campaign off to a solid start by defeating Himeno Sakatsume in straight sets.
The world number one celebrated her recent engagement by dropping just six games to set up a third-round match with Jaqueline Cristian.
Sabalenka, who is celebrating 80 weeks as World No. 1, is looking for her first tournament victory of the year after missing events in Qatar and Dubai.
The star’s straightforward victory over Sakatsume saw her match a Maria Sharapova record at Indian Wells.
Aryna Sabalenka hits 136 WTA 1000 wins at Indian Wells
Sabalenka’s latest victory at Indian Wells saw the star collect her 136th Masters-level victory, which is an impressive feat at the age of 27.
The world number one matched Sharapova’s Masters career record, according to sports statisticians OptaAce.
It is worth noting, however, that WTA 1000 events were only introduced in 2009, half-way through Sharapova’s career.
Sharapova turned professional in 2001, so she had eight years on the WTA Tour without playing a ‘Masters’ event.
Nonetheless, it’s an impressive feat for Sabalenka, who continues to prove why she’s one of the very best players of her generation.
Aryna Sabalenka extended another record at Indian Wells
Sabalenka will be thrilled to come through a potential scare against Sakatsume, who qualified for the event.
The victory ensured an Indian Wells qualifier, lucky loser, or wild card is still yet to beat the world number one at the event.
Sabalenka’s victory over the Japanese star extended the streak to 15-0, with no major upset ever seen at the unofficial fifth Grand Slam.
The world number one is defending 500 ranking points at Indian Wells, after reaching the final at last year’s event.
Sabalenka was defeated in three sets at the Californian event by Mirra Andreeva in 2025, who collected her very first Masters title.