Elena Rybakina Plays Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells Final
Indian Wells
March 14, 2026
Elena Rybakina edged an excellent semi-final against Elina Svitolina to earn the right to play the fearsome Aryna Sabalenka.
It looked for a while during the first set as though the popular Svitolina might gain the upper hand. But Rybakina struck with confidence when it mattered to win through 7-5, 6-4.
Elena Rybakina won the Wimbledon title in 2022 – and has probably turned into an even better player since that memorable day.
She took the Australian Open title by beating Sabalenka in three sets less than two months ago. She certainly has a big-match mentality.
Elena Rybakina will surely start as one of the hot favourites for Wimbledon 2026 if her year continues like this.
It takes a lot to rattle Sabalenka. She was relatively untroubled in her 6-3, 6-4 semi-final victory over Czech hope Linda Noskova.
But when it comes to getting under Sabalenka’s skin, Rybakina often finds a way – with successful results on the big occasions.
It was the same story at the WTA finals, won 6-3, 7-6 by Elena in Saudi. Her demolition of Aryna in the final breaker was a sight to behold.
Sabalenka leads the head-to-head record 8-7 in what is fast becoming a classic rivalry between two tennis giants.
But Rybakina has won the last four showpiece occasions of the five finals they have shared in recent years.
‘I’m so done losing these big finals,’ said Sabalenka in the build-up to Sunday’s showdown at Indian Wells. We shall see.
Elena Rybakina is the player Aryna will probably want to avoid as she tries to reach her first final at Wimbledon later this year.
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