Sabalenka Wins Indian Wells Title & Extends World No. 1 Lead | 2024 Highlights

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Aryna Sabalenka secured her first BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday, overcoming a stern challenge from Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-set final. The world No. 1 triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), avenging her defeat to Rybakina in the Australian Open final earlier this year. The victory also solidifies Sabalenka’s position atop the WTA rankings and earns her $1.15 million in prize money.

This win marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old Belarusian, who had previously fallen short in the Indian Wells final in both 2023 and 2025. It’s her second tournament victory of 2026, following her success in Brisbane at the start of the season. Despite the loss, Rybakina will rise to No. 2 in the world rankings.

“Thank God I have this trophy,” Sabalenka said with a laugh, as reported by ESPN. “Thank you to everyone who makes this tournament possible. It’s really the Tennis Paradise.”

The match unfolded under sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Rybakina initially asserted her dominance, taking the first set 6-3 with her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes – a similar pattern to their encounter in Melbourne on January 31. Sabalenka, though, demonstrated resilience and gradually found her rhythm, elevating the level of play as the match progressed.

After securing an early break in the decisive third set, Sabalenka appeared poised to close out the match while serving at 5-4. However, Rybakina battled back, forcing a tiebreak. In a tense tiebreaker, Sabalenka faced a championship point but responded with a clutch backhand winner. She converted her first match point after two and a half hours of intense competition.

The match was a compelling display of power and finesse, with both players showcasing their strengths. Sabalenka’s ability to adapt and impose her game after a tricky start proved crucial. The Belarusian has increasingly incorporated variety into her game, complementing her powerful first strike with well-placed drop shots and net play – a development that has been key to her recent success.

This victory represents Sabalenka’s 10th WTA 1000 title and snaps a two-match losing streak against Rybakina in major finals. The head-to-head record now stands at 9-7 in favor of Sabalenka, having previously lost to Rybakina at the 2025 WTA Finals and the Australian Open earlier this year. Rybakina had also defeated Sabalenka in the 2023 Indian Wells final.

“It was a very difficult match,” Rybakina said after the match, congratulating Sabalenka, according to ESPN.

Sabalenka’s schedule remains demanding, as she is already en route to Miami to defend her title at the Miami Open. “Probably will have a couple drinks on the plane and that’s it,” Sabalenka said. “I’m defending champion there, so I have to bring my best tennis there.”

The win at Indian Wells is particularly sweet for Sabalenka, who has now conquered a tournament that previously eluded her. The California desert has proven to be a challenging venue for the Belarusian, but she has finally overcome those hurdles. The victory also comes on the heels of personal milestones – a new puppy and an engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis – adding to a positive momentum for the world No. 1.

Sabalenka will now turn her attention to the Miami Open, where she will attempt to defend her title and continue her impressive run of form. The tournament begins later this week, and Sabalenka will undoubtedly be a favorite to contend for the championship.