Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point to defeat Elena Rybakina and claim her first Indian Wells title, avenging her Australian Open final loss six weeks ago. The world No 1 triumphed 3-6 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in two-and-a-half hours in California.
Sabalenka had lost her two previous Indian Wells finals, to Rybakina in 2023 and Mirra Andreeva last season. This victory ended a pattern of tough losses in major finals for the four-time grand slam winner.
Rybakina broke Sabalenka when she served for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set. In boiling conditions, Rybakina led 6-5 in the tiebreak, but Sabalenka saved championship point with a scorching backhand winner before clinching the title.
Playing her first tournament since the Australian Open, Sabalenka arrived at Indian Wells after announcing her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis. She also celebrated with her new puppy, Ash, who joined her on court before the trophy ceremony.
“What a week! Getting a puppy, getting engaged and winning a title,” Sabalenka said. “I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life.” She added: “I felt like I could have closed this match earlier, but she returned really well today. Just happy that in the last three points I was able to pull out everything I had.”
