Aryna Sabalenka cruises into Indian Wells final

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has cruised into the Indian Wells Open final, defeating seventh-seed Maria Sakkari 6-2 6-3 on Friday.

The win improved Sabalenka to 17-1 this year and she will seek her 13th career title in Sunday’s final against the winner of the other semi-final between top-ranked Iga Swiatek or 10th-seeded Elena Rybakina.

“It’s going to be huge,” said Sabalenka, who won the doubles title in the desert in 2019.

“This tournament feels like a grand slam. I really want to hold this trophy as a singles champion.”

Sabalenka took control against Sakkari from the start. She attacked the Greek’s second serve, winning 20 of 26 points off it. Sakkari, runner-up in last year’s final, fell to 3-5 in her career against Sabalenka.

Sakkari reached the semi-finals by rallying from a set down three times and going 4-0 in deciding sets.

But Sabalenka was too dominant. She won the final three games, including two services, to take the first set 6-2.

Sabalenka led 2-0 in the second before Sakkari tied it 2-all. From there, Sabalenka won four of the final five games to close out the match in 1 1/2 hours.

“Just super happy right now,” Sabalenka said on court. “Maria’s such a great player and I knew it was going to be tough.”