Aryna Sabalenka’s Versatility Powers Her to Indian Wells Triumph

Aryna Sabalenka wins 23rd WTA singles title in Indian Wells

World number one Aryna Sabalenka claims first Indian Wells title. Aryna Sabalenka defeats Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in Indian Wells final.

Sabalenka rallies to beat Rybakina, wins Indian Wells title...

Aryna Sabalenka showed her incredible versatility and mental toughness to claim the Indian Wells title, defeating Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in a thrilling final. Despite losing the first set and facing a championship point in the tiebreak, Sabalenka rallied to secure her 23rd WTA singles title and first Indian Wells crown.

Sabalenka had previously lost to Rybakina in the 2023 Indian Wells final, the 2025 WTA Finals, and the Australian Open earlier this year. However, the world number one refused to be defeated, showcasing her aggressive and dominating game to turn the match around. This victory marks a big milestone for Sabalenka, who had been seeking redemption after those tough losses.

“The whole point was to have A, B, C, D, E, and blah, blah, blah plans. Today, A, B and C definitely didn't work,” Sabalenka told reporters.

“So I had to basically run there and put as ⁠much ball back at her as possible, and when I felt more confident, I went back to my usual game which is an aggressive and dominating game.

“I'm super happy that I was able to ‌progress that far and to have so many tools in my game, so that no matter what happens in the match, I'm able to still find the small things that are going to help me to win the match.”

🫶🫶🫶@SabalenkaA | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/ZaeAAknJrJ

— wta (@WTA) March 15, 2026

The four-time Grand Slam champion dug deep, showcasing her fighting spirit to mount a comeback and secure the win. 

“With so many finals I've lost, they also teach me a lot of things that the ‌game is never done till it's done. So if it's a match point, you still have a chance to ‌get back into the game,” Sabalenka said.

PARADISE FOUND: 🏆@SabalenkaA digs deep to defeat Rybakina in a three set blockbuster final, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6)!#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/1VQdBXsoXf

— wta (@WTA) March 15, 2026

“That's something I learned, to be mentally strong no matter what. Though I lost so many big ones and painful ones, I'm still able to go out there, even when ⁠things are not going ⁠well, and stay focused ‌and fight for it.”