"World number one Aryna Sabalenka finally conquered her Indian Wells demons on Sunday, defeating Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in a breathless final to claim the desert title for the first time and secure her 23rd career crown. The victory was sweet redemption for the Belarusian, who had lost her previous two Indian Wells finals, including to Rybakina herself in 2023."
"A two-time Grand Slam champion, Rybakina dominated the opening exchanges of the first set, breaking Sabalenka to surge into a 4-2 lead and exploiting the Belarusian's backhand to close it out. It was the first time Sabalenka had dropped a set in the tournament."
"The decider was a match in itself. Sabalenka broke early to lead 3-1, only for Rybakina to claw back, level at 5-5 and take the lead for the first time in the set. Sabalenka responded immediately to force a tiebreak, where the score reached 6-6, before she pulled clear to seal it at 8-6."
Aryna Sabalenka captured the Indian Wells title by defeating Elena Rybakina in a three-set final, securing her 23rd career crown. The victory provided redemption for Sabalenka, who had lost her previous two Indian Wells finals, including to Rybakina in 2023, and had begun the year with a defeat to Rybakina at the Australian Open in January. Rybakina dominated the opening set, breaking Sabalenka to win 6-3. However, Sabalenka regrouped in the second set, breaking Rybakina twice to level the match. The third set proved decisive, with Sabalenka breaking early before Rybakina fought back to level at 5-5. Sabalenka forced a tiebreak and prevailed 8-6 to claim the title.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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