Aryna Sabalenka was in really impressive form last night, quelling the threat of a hugely in-form Victoria Mboko to reach the semi-finals at Indian Wells.
And, her performance caught the eye of a certain Martina Navratilova, who had nothing but praise for the Belarusian as she delivered her post-match court-side assessment.
Speaking live on Sky Sports, the 18-time singles Grand Slam champion reserved particular praise for the Aryna Sabalenka serve, before explaining why the world number one actually reminds her of Novak Djokovic in certain situations.
Martina Navratilova praises Aryna Sabalenka for improving her serve
Navratilova began by highlighting Sabalenka’s ability to cruise through a match that could have been very tricky, against a young opponent who seems to be getting better and better with each passing week.
The pundit claimed: “It could have been a really uncomfortable match for her, playing somebody so much younger, big game like hers, but she held her nerve beautifully.”
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to change in 2026 to win multiple Grand Slam titles?
“Well, the serve she’s gotten right for a while now, which is why her game picked up, because that can really bleed off into the rest of your game, when the serve is not there.
“But even when she misses her first, the second one is very dependable. She did a really good job in the second set. That’s what really won her the set. Getting better, more percentages on her second serve than Mboko.”
However, it was Sabalenka’s tiebreak record that really impressed Navratilova, comparing her to Djokovic of old: “But, man, she’s like Djokovic used to be in the tiebreaks, like, she just doesn’t miss. It makes you play better, and Sabalenka puts that pressure on her opponents; they know she wants to be in the tiebreak. That’s exactly what she wants to be.”
This came after Sabalenka had requested that Navratilova now come to all her matches, branding her a good-luck charm following the match.
Aryna Sabalenka is on a collision course with Elena Rybakina again
Sabalenka’s fine form at this event, beating some top-level players already, has seen her gifted what should be an easier semi-final opponent on paper.
She faces the surprise package of this event, Linda Noskova, with the 21-year-old having shone on her way to this stage.
Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina is due to face Elina Svitolina in the other semi-final.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
It seems like, based on form and rankings, we are on course to get a repeat of this year’s Australian Open final between Sabalenka and Rybakina.
The former will be out for revenge, whilst the latter will be keen to maintain her magical record against top-ten opponents.
However, they still have players to beat before their meeting is confirmed.
