WTA number one Sabalenka wants to play US Open mixed doubles, but for now her focus is on Indian Wells singles.

Sabalenka has been given a bye into round two, where she will take on the winner of Anna Blinkova and McCartney Kessler.

American ace Kessler only just reached the final of the ATX Open, where she lost to compatriot Jessica Pegula.

Aryna Sabalenka names Ons Jabeur and Grigor Dimitrov as funniest players

Sabalenka meanwhile already has a title to her name in 2025, having won the Brisbane International at the start of the year.

She looked ahead to issues on the court in her opening Indian Wells press conference, but was also asked who she thinks is the funniest person on tour.

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Sabalenka replied: “Who is the funniest person on the tour? Well, I think Ons [Jabeur] is really funny. I have to say [Grigor] Dimitrov is also pretty fun.”

Aryna Sabalenka needs fun to help balance ‘really tough’ tennis life

The Belarusian has enjoyed a stunning rise to the top of the WTA rankings, but will be eager to push further ahead at Indian Wells.

Iga Swiatek follows her closely in the world rankings, with American trio Coco Gauff, Pegula and Madison Keys completing the top five.

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Sabalenka could face both Gauff and Swiatek in California, with the pair representing potential semi-final and final opponents respectively.

But continuing her focus off court, Sabalenka also discussed the importance of laughter in her life, saying: “Have a little fun in life outside of tennis? I think that’s really important.

“As I said, I think it’s all about balance in life, and you have to balance this, like, really tough tennis life with, like, little fun, just so you’re not losing your mind on court, you know.

“So I think I’ve been always talking about balancing things out. So I think it’s very important to have some fun outside of court.”