Australian qualifier Talia Gibson has achieved the biggest win of her career, defeating world number seven Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Open. The 21-year-old from Western Australia battled for just over two hours to overcome the two-time grand slam runner-up and French Open doubles champion.
Gibson is the first Australian woman to reach the Indian Wells quarterfinals since Casey Dellacqua in 2014, and the first qualifier to do so in 11 years. Her run includes wins over Ann Li, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Clara Tauson, propelling her into the WTA top 100 this week.
In the match, Gibson fired four aces and converted five of 13 break points, despite five double faults and losing serve three times. She will next face either Linda Noskova or Alexandra Eala.
Meanwhile, world number one Aryna Sabalenka credited her new puppy, Ash, for providing mental health support after her 6-2, 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka, who brought the cavalier King Charles spaniel to a post-match interview, said, 'Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better.'
Sabalenka introduced Ash, named after tennis legend Arthur Ashe, on social media last week as a 'new addition' to her support team, Team Tiger.
