World number two Caroline Wozniacki reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells with victory over Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Wozniacki, who won her first Grand Slam at this year’s Australian Open, came through 6-4 2-6 6-3.

The 27-year-old Dane needs to win the tournament and hope that top seed Simona Halep fails to reach the final to regain the world number one ranking.

Wozniacki faces Daria Kasatkina, who beat US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

American Stephens has been struggling since breaking through for last year’s major win, and has failed to advance past a quarter-final this year. She was beaten 6-4 6-3 by Russian 20th seed Kasatkina.

Serena Williams saw her comeback ended 6-3 6-4 by sister Venus.

Caroline Garcia also progressed in straight sets against Daria Gavrilova as the French seventh seed beat the Australian 7-5 6-4 in just under two hours.

Former world number one Angelique Kerber beat Russia’s Elena Vesnina 7-5 6-2 to go through, while USA’s Danielle Collins beat Russian Sofia Zhuk 6-4 6-4.

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina fell to Carla Suarez Navarro 7-5 6-3.