Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to win BNP Paribas Open

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Elena Rybakina beat a misfiring Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(11) 6-4 on Sunday to say the BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells and avenge her loss to Sabalenka within the Australian Open closing.

Rybakina, taking part in in her first WTA 1000 closing, got here again from a break right down to seize a tightly-contested first set throughout which the second-seeded Sabalenka dedicated 10 double faults.

Rybakina, the tenth seed, by no means trailed the remainder of the way in which.

“It was an incredible two weeks here,” Rybakina stated on court docket following the trophy presentation. “It was an amazing atmosphere. I want to congratulate Aryna, as well, amazing results this week.”

Hearing that, Sabalenka caught her tongue out at Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion.

“This was the first time it went my way,” Rybakina responded, as this was the primary time she’s overwhelmed Sabalenka in 5 makes an attempt

With that, Rybakina leaned into the microphone and stated, “I’ll make sure it’s the last time.”

It was a enjoyable second of levity after one other intense match between the ladies. They performed an exciting Australian Open closing in January, which Sabalenka received in three tight units.

“It’s a pleasure to win against you,” Rybakina stated.

Rybakina, who beat defending champion and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to achieve the ladies’s closing, dropped serve when Sabalenka landed a forehand lob simply contained in the baseline for a 3-2 lead, adopted by a routine maintain that gave Sabalenka management early within the match.

But Rybakina, who confronted three set factors within the opening set, refused to again down and instantly held at like to regular the ship earlier than Sabalenka handed again the break with an premature double fault that levelled the match at 4-4. The duo remained on serve, sending the primary set to a tiebreaker, which Rybakina received to stay excellent in tiebreaks this yr.

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Despite her struggles, Sabalenka had her probabilities within the opener however squandered three set factors whereas additionally turning apart 5 set factors earlier than lastly sending a forehand lengthy to provide Rybakina management.

Rybakina opened the second set with a break earlier than Sabalenka lastly settled into her sport. But Rybakina sensed her likelihood and rapidly closed the deal on her first championship level when her opponent despatched a service return into the web.

With the win, Rybakina strikes as much as No. 7 on this planet rankings.

Reuters and ESPN’s Alyssa Roenigk contributed to this report.