Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first Indian Wells title on Sunday, saving a match point on the way to a gripping 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 victory over Elena Rybakina in a final that went right down to the wire.
It was a result that will have tasted particularly sweet for the world number one, who had lost her previous four title clashes against the Kazakh, including a painful defeat at the Australian Open back in January. This time, however, Sabalenka refused to buckle, digging deep when it mattered most to finally get her hands on the trophy she had long coveted.
Rybakina made the brighter start, converting the only break point of the opening set to ease through 6-3. The second set looked similarly ominous when Sabalenka dropped serve in the very first game, but the Belarusian showed tremendous resolve to reel off four consecutive games and level the match.
The deciding set was a nervy affair throughout. Sabalenka appeared to be in control at 2-1 up with the break, only for Rybakina to fight back and force a tiebreak. Trailing 3-5 and then facing match point, Sabalenka produced a stunning backhand winner to stay alive before reeling off the final points to seal a famous victory.
“It was a hell of a battle,” Sabalenka said afterwards, adding that she was particularly proud of the way she had carried herself mentally throughout the contest.
Rybakina, despite the defeat, climbs one place in the world rankings to second, overtaking Iga Swiatek in the process. Both players now head to Miami, where Sabalenka will defend her title and look to complete what is known in tennis circles as the Sunshine Double.
