Three-set matches challenge top players in Indian Wells

The second round of the BNP Paribas Open proved to be challenging for several top seeds. Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Peyton Stearns in a hard-fought battle, winning 6-7(2) 6-2 7-6(6). Coco Gauff staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Clara Burel, overcoming a slow start to win 2-6 6-3 7-6(4). Maria Sakkari also faced a tough challenge but emerged victorious against Diana Shnaider, with a final score of 5-7 6-4 6-0. In another thrilling match, Anna Blinkova secured a win over Jessica Pegula, prevailing 6-2 3-6 6-3.

The third-seeded Gauff, who is playing her last tournament as a teenager, struggled to maintain momentum and quickly lost any leads she picked up. The crowd firmly on the…