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Aryna Sabalenka has quipped that she hopes her diamond engagement ring will distract opponents, but the world number one insists it won't affect her performances. The 27-year-old defeated Japan's Himeno Saktsume in straight sets at Indian Wells to advance into the third round.

The Belarusian showcased the oval-cut diamond ring for the first time in competition following her engagement to multi-millionaire Georgios Frangulis earlier this week. Sabalenka is gearing up for the next Grand Slam as she seeks to recover from her Australian Open final disappointment against Elena Rybakina.

The 6-4 6-2 victory marked Sabalenka's first appearance since her defeat in Melbourne.

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Sabalenka brushed off questions about wearing the ring during competitive play.

She dismissed the possibility of losing the diamond, joking that she hopes it can bewilder her rivals.

She said: "It feels super comfortable and shiny. We double-checked if there was a ‌possibility to lose the diamond, and there was none.

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"I was pretty confident wearing it, hoping it might even distract my opponent."

Tomorrow, Sabelenka will return to action in the Round of 32 as she faces Romanian Jaqueline Cristian.

The four-time Grand Slam winner also chimed in on the debate surrounding British number one, Emma Raducanu.

The Brit also made a winning start to her Indian Wells campaign, with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Anastasia Zakharova.

The 23-year-old has been without a coach since parting ways with Francisco Roig following the Australian Open, but in the meantime, she'll consult various people before committing to a permanent appointment.

Sabalenka has offered guidance to Raducanu as the hunt goes on.

She said: "I feel like maybe for her it's a good decision. She just needs to choose carefully the person that she's going to bring on her team."