Third time lucky as Sabalinka lifts IW title

Aryna Sabalena won the Indian Wells Masters on her third try Sunday, toughing out a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6)  decision after being forced into a deciding tiebreaker by Elena Rybakina.

The world No. 1 will remain atop the WTA rankings on Monday after success in more than two and a half hours, coming from a set and a break down and avenging losses at the WTA Finals and the Australian Open against Rybakina..

Sabalenka, who levelled at a set apiece after losing the opener, could not hang onto a 5-3 lead in the third set and had to win it in a tiebreaker; she saved a match point against her Kazakh opponent before converting on her own first winning chance.

The win came after Sabalenka had lost the 2023 final here to Rybakina and was defeated in the final a year ago by Mirra Andreeva.

The winner could not hide her excitement: ” What a week. Getting a puppy.

Aryna Sabalenka cuddles her King Charles Cavalier puppy Ash after winning IW title

Getting engaged. Winning a title. I’ll definitely remember it for the rest of my life.”

She added: “I’m not sure if I can make sense right now but I’ll try my best.

“First of all congrats Elena on another great tournament. I really hope we’re gonna face each other in the last stages again

“I’m always happy to come here every year – thank god I got the trophy.”

Victory marked revenge for a loss Sabalenka took six weeks ago in Melbourne to Rybakina, who will move to second in the world.

She was the first World No.1 to reach Indian Wells final in consecutive years since the event began in 1989 and ties with Victoria Azarenka as a thre-time finalist.

The 27-year-old claimed her 10th title at the 1000 (Masters) level, trailing Serena Williams (13), Iga Swiatek (11) and Azarenka (10) in that statistical category.

She improved to 17-1 on the season and has played the finals of all three of her events so far this season – Brisbane, Melbourne and Indian Wells.

Rybakina:was playing her first 100-level final in two years (2024 Miami ) and still leads the Tour in aces this season – 148 and counting.

“It was a very difficult match, congrats to Aryna and her team,” Rybakina said..

“I hope we can play against at this stage of a tournament.

“It was ot ther result I wanted today but it has been a good couple of weeks for me.

“We try and take the positives and move on for the next one.”