Top Seeds Sabalenka, Rybakina to Face Off in BNP Paribas Open Quarterfinals

Mboko and Pegula also set to compete on Stadium 1 on Thursday

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The quarterfinal matchups for the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday feature several of the top women's tennis players in the world. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on No. 10 Victoria Mboko, while No. 3 Elena Rybakina will face off against No. 5 Jessica Pegula. All four players will compete on the main Stadium 1 court.

Why it matters

These quarterfinal matchups showcase some of the best talent in women's tennis today. Sabalenka and Rybakina are both Grand Slam champions looking to add another major title, while Mboko and Pegula are rising stars seeking to make their mark on the biggest stages. The results of these matches could have major implications for the rest of the tournament and the 2026 season.

The details

Sabalenka and Mboko will open the day's play on Stadium 1 at 11:00 am local time. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, has a 14-1 record so far in 2026 and is the defending Indian Wells finalist. Mboko, ranked No. 10, is making her first career quarterfinal appearance at a Premier-level event. Rybakina and Pegula will follow in the evening session, scheduled for 5:00 pm. Rybakina, the No. 3 player, is the 2023 Indian Wells champion, while Pegula, seeded 5th, is seeking her first Premier Mandatory final.

  • Sabalenka vs. Mboko is scheduled for 11:00 am on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Rybakina vs. Pegula is scheduled for 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

The current world No. 1 player, Sabalenka has a 14-1 record so far in 2026 and is the defending Indian Wells finalist.

Victoria Mboko

Ranked No. 10, Mboko is making her first career quarterfinal appearance at a Premier-level event.

Elena Rybakina

The No. 3 player and 2023 Indian Wells champion, Rybakina is seeking to add another Premier Mandatory title.

Jessica Pegula

Seeded 5th, Pegula is looking to reach her first Premier Mandatory final.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The quarterfinal matchups at the BNP Paribas Open feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. The results could have major implications for the rest of the 2026 season as players jockey for position ahead of the Grand Slam events.