WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka’s unreal reaction to Peyton Stearns’ massive forehand shot at Indian Wells will have you coming back for more!

Although Aryna Sabalenka won the match, Stearns pushed the Belarusian to her limits with her "crazy tennis".

WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka’s unreal reaction to Peyton Stearns’ massive forehand shot at Indian Wells will have you coming back for more!

Aryna Sabalenka taken aback by a massive forehand from Peyton Stearns (Images via Imago, X)

Belarusian tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka was stunned by a massive forehand hit by Peyton Stearns during her second-round match at the 2024 Indian Wells. The two-time Australian Open champion was pushed to the brink by her American counterpart as the two players put their best tennis on display.

Although Sabalenka won the match, Stearns pushed the Belarusian to her limits. The American WTA player claimed the first set in the tiebreaker. She could not save the second set as Sabalenka came roaring back and won it 6-2.

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However, Stearns was determined enough to not let the game slip out of her hands and it reflected in every shot she hit in the third set. The 22-year-old American was fighting for every point and during the same, Stearns produced a stunning forehand shot that took Sabalenka by surprise.

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Peyton Stearns surprises Aryna Sabalenka with her thunderous forehand

Fighting for the eighth game in the third set, the two players were tied at 40-all. Peyton Stearns served for the next point and it was a well-directed serve but Sabalenka was ready as she returned it by playing a strong forehand. The two players engaged in a rally with both Sabalenka and Stearns firing forehands.

Aryna-Sabalenka-Peyton-Stearns
Aryna Sabalenka, Peyton Stearns (Images via Imago)

After a couple of volleys, the Belarusian seemed to have gained an advantage as she forced Stearns to play a single-handed backhand. The American was not in total control but she somehow managed to return the shot. Sabalenka sensed an opportunity and fired a strong cross-court forehand.

By the time Sabalenka played the shot, Stearns had managed to get back to the center of the court and as soon as she saw a cross-court shot, she ran quickly to her right. The American then not only returned the shot as she played a thunderous forehand but also managed to beat Sabalenka.

The Belarusian ace was taken aback by the quality of the shot. Sabalenka wore a surprised look before she applauded Stearns for this beautiful shot.

Nevertheless, Sabalenka managed to overcome a charged-up Stearns as she beat the American 6-7 (2), 6-2, 7-6 (8). The two-time Grand Slam champion will face Emma Raducanu in the next round.

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