Aryna Sabalenka Rallies To Defeat Elena Rybakina For Her First Indian Wells Title

INDIAN WELLS — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka hit Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) successful nan Indian Wells last Sunday for her first title astatine nan tournament.

Sabalenka, a runner-up successful 2023 and ‘25, vanished disconnected nan triumph astatine nan BNP Paribas Open pinch a large service that Rybakina deed long. It was a sweltering day connected nan tribunal arsenic nan temperatures soared into nan 90s.

The 27-year-old Sabalenka had a chance to adjacent retired nan 3rd group but was surgery astatine 5-4. Rybakina recovered herself pinch a title constituent successful nan tiebreaker, only to person Sabalenka deed a backhand winner.

This marked nan 16th clip nan 2 players person met, pinch Sabalenka now holding a 9-7 advantage. Rybakina of Kazakhstan hit Sabalenka astatine nan 2025 WTA Finals title and nan Australian Open 2 months ago. She besides edged Sabalenka successful nan finals astatine Indian Wells successful 2023.

“What a day,” Sabalenka said aft nan match.

In nan men’s last later Sunday, Daniil Medvedev faces Jannik Sinner, who has won 8 of his past 9 matches against Medvedev.