Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. However, it hasn’t been easy for the players to play in California because of the hot weather. The world No. 1 recently expressed her thoughts on playing in such conditions.
Aryna Sabalenka Makes Her Feelings Known on Playing in Hot Conditions at Indian Wells
Sabalenka is the top seed at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, and she began her campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. She defeated qualifier Himeno Sakatsume with a score of 6-4, 6-2 in her opening match, then overcame Jaqueline Cristian with a score of 6-4, 6-1 in the third round.
In the fourth round, the world No. 1 triumphed over 16th seed Naomi Osaka, winning 6-2, 6-4. She then advanced to the semifinals at Tennis Paradise, defeating 10th seed Victoria Mboko 7-6(0), 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
After her victory in the quarterfinals, during her post-match on-court interview, Sabalenka discussed the weather, describing it as “tricky” due to its fluctuations. She also advised the spectators in the stands to “stay hydrated” and recommended adding “extra salt” to their drinks to help prevent dehydration during the matches.
“It’s really tricky to prepare yourself for these conditions because they go up and down, and today is a very hot day. So, guys, please stay hydrated. Put some extra salt in your drinks. We don’t want to see you guys passing out here in the crowd. So, stay hydrated,” Sabalenka said.
The four-time Grand Slam singles champion stated that during matches played in hot conditions, players drink a lot of water to manage their energy.
“And I guess that’s how we take it. We drink a lot of water. We try to manage our energy. And lucky me, I go out here, and I’m able to physically be ready to compete in these conditions,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face Linda Nosková in the semifinals of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The Czech, seeded 14th, also began her campaign in the second round after a first-round bye, defeating Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match.
Nosková overcame Sorana Cîrstea with a score of 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, and 31st seed Alexandra Eala with a score of 6-2, 6-0 in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. She secured her place in the semifinals by defeating qualifier Talia Gibson with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka and Nosková have faced each other only once on the WTA Tour, in the final of the 2023 Adelaide International 1, where the Belarusian won 6-3, 7-6(4), claiming her 11th WTA Tour singles title. The winner of the semifinal match between these two players will advance to face either third seed Elena Rybakina or ninth seed Elina Svitolina in the final of the tournament.
