INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured her first title at the BNP Paribas Open, defeating Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) in a gripping final on Sunday. The victory marks a significant milestone for Sabalenka at the prestigious California desert tournament.
The match was intense and physically demanding, played under scorching conditions with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Sabalenka, 27, rallied after dropping the first set, overcoming a late break at 5-4 in the third to force a tiebreak. She then fought off a championship point for Rybakina before sealing the win with a powerful backhand winner in the tiebreaker.
Reflecting on her triumph, Sabalenka emphasized her mental resilience. “The whole idea going into this match was to be mentally strong, to stay strong, no matter what, to show with the body language that I’m here, I’m fighting,” she told Tennis Channel. “You have to get a win with incredible tennis, and that was the plan. I’m happy it worked.”
This victory is especially meaningful for Sabalenka, who recently celebrated personal milestones, including adopting a puppy and getting engaged to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis. “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life,” she said.
The final was their 16th encounter, with Sabalenka now leading the rivalry 9-7. Rybakina, from Kazakhstan, had previously defeated Sabalenka at the 2025 WTA Finals and the Australian Open, and also beat her in last year’s Indian Wells final.
In her post-match remarks, Rybakina congratulated Sabalenka on a tough match, calling it “very difficult.”
Sabalenka is set to leave Sunday night for the Miami Open, where she is the defending champion. “Probably will have a couple drinks on the plane and that’s it,” she joked. “I have to bring my best tennis there. With the vibes I’m taking from here, I think I’ll be able to fight and defend that beautiful trophy.”
