World number one Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells on 15/3, defeating Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6). Sabalenka saved a championship point against the new world number two to secure the victory, avenging her losses to Rybakina in the 2023 Indian Wells final and ending a streak of 4 consecutive defeats in WTA Tour finals, including the 2025 WTA Finals and 2026 Australian Open. This marks Sabalenka's 23rd WTA title and her 10th WTA 1000 championship.

Rybakina, who entered the match with a 16-0 record in 2026 when winning the first set, started strong. She took a 4-2 lead on Sunday before holding serve to win the first set. Rybakina then broke Sabalenka's serve early in the second set, leading to visible frustration from the world number one, who smashed her racket against her bench during a changeover.

Sabalenka (left) embraces Rybakina after the WTA BNP Paribas Open final on center court at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California, US, on 15/3. *Photo: Reuters*

Sabalenka quickly channeled her anger into motivation. She broke Rybakina's serve two consecutive times to take a 3-1 lead. Rybakina struggled to maintain her first-set rhythm, frequently missing forehands, ultimately losing the second set 3-6.

With the match tied at one set apiece, the third set intensified. Rybakina, trailing 4-5, rallied to convert a crucial break point, leveling the match at 5-5. This was her first break of Sabalenka's serve since the second set's opening game. Game 11 of the third set proved to be one of the tournament's best, lasting over 12 minutes. Despite Sabalenka holding 5 break points, Rybakina saved them all to take a 6-5 lead. Unfazed, Sabalenka held serve to force a tie-break.

In the tense tie-break, Rybakina held a championship point at 6-5. However, Sabalenka's signature cross-court backhand saved her, keeping her hopes of winning the title alive. Sabalenka then secured the final two points to clinch the match.

Sabalenka celebrates her WTA BNP Paribas Open title on center court at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California, US, on 15/3. *Photo: Reuters*

The victory capped a memorable two weeks for Sabalenka at Indian Wells, where her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis proposed to her last week. Sabalenka is set to compete next at the Miami Open this week, an event she won last year.

Vy Anh