'Feels like a Grand Slam Final' - WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka's post win antics steal the show at Indian Wells 2025

Tennis sensation and world number one Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the third round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 Tournament. The star player toppled McCartney Kessler by 7-6, 6-3 in the second round of the showpiece event.

Sabalenka had a great start to the game, but Kessler staged her comeback in this game to force the game into a tiebreaker. However, the Belarusian star's resilience and grit helped her mark the win in the first set of the game. The 26-year-old star player completely dominated the second set of the game to mark a straight-set win.

Also Read: WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz's open pratice session delights crowd in Indian wells 2025

Sabalenka's hilarious post-match interview at the Indian Wells 2025

After the win, Sabalenka was engaged in a fun post-match interview session. She humorously stated that she doesn't like the past Indian Wells small trophy and sets her sights on clinching the bigger one in this ongoing tournament. The 2025 Australian Open runner-up further hailed the crowd that came to support her in the marquee event.

Watch the video here:

Sabalenka after beating Kessler at Indian Wells

“16,000 people here tonight.. they love watching you play”

Aryna: “The atmosphere feels like a Grand Slam Final. You guys brought it. Thank you for coming. It’s really cold. 😂 I really appreciate it.” ❤️

pic.twitter.com/bH34DV4uuP

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 9, 2025

Sabalenka after beating Kessler at Indian Wells

“You’re a former finalist here. How special would it be to hold that beautiful trophy?

Aryna: “I don’t really like the little one I have at the house. I think I need a little bit bigger” 😂

pic.twitter.com/50qrKVtO92

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 9, 2025

In an interview, a reporter questioned Sabalenka saying, “You’re a former finalist here. How special would it be to hold that beautiful trophy?" To this, Sabalenka said, “I don’t really like the little one I have at the house. I think I need a little bit bigger. The atmosphere feels like a Grand Slam Final. You guys brought it. Thank you for coming. It’s really cold. I really appreciate it."

Sabalenka's journey since 2025

Notably, Sabalenka has been one of the strong contenders here and aims to win an elite title. The star player had a great start to the game after she emerged victorious in the Brisbane Open at the start of the year. 

Following that, she made it to the finals of the Australian Open before the 26-year-old tennis star eventually suffered a defeat to Madison Keys. Later, she was able to make it to Round 32 and Round 16 of the Qatar Open 2025 and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2025, respectively.

Also WATCH: Marcos Giron's wild celebration after knocking off fourth seed Casper Ruud in Indian Wells 2025