WTA final set: Sabalenka vs Rybakina
The Indian Wells women’s final will be a Sabalenka–Rybakina rematch after Rybakina beat Elina Svitolina 7-5, 6-4 to advance.[](https://x.com/i/status/2032653610408968659) Pre‑final chatter is heavy on Sabalenka’s raw winners (35–28 in a cited AO stat) versus Rybakina’s clutch closing — a classic power vs. control showdown.[](https://x.com/S_RF_CA/status/2032705627374711092)
Elena Rybakina entered the matchup fresh off a Grand Slam triumph — she won the Australian Open on Jan. 31, 2026. ausopen.com Her form spike is stark: Rybakina has claimed three titles in her last six events and went 16‑0 in 2026 matches when she won the first set. wtatennis.com That momentum included a run of consecutive wins over Top‑10 opponents that reached 12 straight victories, underscoring her late‑match resilience. wtatennis.com Aryna Sabalenka arrived at Indian Wells having not dropped a set all tournament and sitting on the brink of her 23rd WTA singles title — her third final at this event in four years. wtatennis.com The rivalry’s ledger was razor‑thin going into this clash: Sabalenka held an 8–7 lead in their head‑to‑head meetings before Indian Wells, with many encounters decided in finals or deep rounds. stevegtennis.com Sabalenka also carried the added stakes of being the World No. 1 — she’d spent more than 80 weeks at the top of the rankings — while Rybakina’s AO crown had pushed her back into the tour’s top three. wtatennis.com
