skysports - 3/11/2026 8:55:51 AM - GMT (+2 )
Jannik Sinner advanced to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells with a thrilling win over Joao Fonesca at the BNP Paribas Open.
Sinner was pushed hard by the 19-year-old Brazilian, trailing 6-3 in the first set before rallying to close out the match 7-6(6) 7-6(4).
The Italian looked set to seal the match from 5-2 in the second set, but Fonseca mounted a late comeback to force a tie-break.
Sinner regained control in the second-set tie-break, clinching the victory to book a quarter-final appearance against American Learner Tien in the next stage of the tournament.
"I am very happy winning this match," Sinner said.
"Joao is an incredible talent. He was serving really well. I was trying to be as aggressive as possible and that was the key to get through against the incredible talent."
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On his quarter-final against home favourite Tien, Sinner added: "I feel he is a very consistent player and I am very happy to face him again. He has improved a lot since the last time we met."
Mboko sails through to Sabalenka quarter-finalWomen's world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka eased past 16th seed Naomi Osaka 6-2 6-4 to progress to the women's last eight.
Osaka began confidently with a strong opening service game, but top seed Sabalenka soon found her rhythm and capitalised on a brief dip from the Japanese, breaking for 2-1 after two double faults.
The Belarusian tightened her grip with a barrage of powerful backhands to lead 5-2, then served out the set comfortably with an ace.
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After a series of solid holds from both players early in the second, Sabalenka again used her firepower to take control, breaking again for a 4-2 lead that proved decisive in closing out the win and continuing her run in the tournament without dropping a set.
"I'm pretty happy for the result today, much better than last time," Sabalenka said. "I'm happy that I put so much pressure on her today, that I brought variety to the court. My serve worked well. On the return I played really great tennis. Happy with my performance for sure."
Last year's runner-up Sabalenka will continue her quest for a first Indian Wells title against Canada's Victoria Mboko, who sailed past higher-ranked American Amanda Anisimova 6-4 6-1.
It will be a rematch of an Australian Open round-of-16 between the two, which Sabalenka won in straight sets.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells live on Sky Sports until March 15. Stream tennis with NOW, contract-free.
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