Sabalenka Stunned at Indian Wells

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus returns a shot to Jasmine Paolini of Italy during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., on March 12, 2022. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—World number three Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock loss in her first match at Indian Wells on Saturday, falling to Italian Jasmine Paolini 2–6 6–3 6–3 in the second round.

The Belarusian committed eight double faults and converted just three of her nine break point opportunities on a hot day in the Southern California desert.