Rybakina Battles Past Baptiste in Indian Wells Opener

Elena Rybakina holds off Baptiste in testing Indian Wells match

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina overcomes Hailey Baptiste 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-2 to reach the third round of Indian Wells.

Elena Rybakina fights past Hailey Baptiste in three sets, continuing her strong start to the season...

Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, came out on top against Hailey Baptiste in a thrilling Indian Wells opener, winning 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-2. The third-seeded Kazakh had to dig deep to overcome Baptiste's aggressive play, ultimately prevailing in the final set.

Rybakina, who won the Indian Wells title in 2023, showed her resilience and skill, fighting off three set points in the opening set before taking control in the tiebreaker. Despite being broken twice in the second set, she rallied to take the final set 6-2.

Elena Rybakina described the match as "really tough" but expressed her happiness with the win. The Kazakhstan star, who beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka to claim her second Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, said, “It was a really tough match today, but I'm super-happy with the win.”

Rybakina had to dig deep to overcome an early setback, fighting off three set points to force a tie-breaker. She took control of the breaker with three forehand winners, eventually sealing the set with another.

Baptiste looked like she was on track to take the match into a decider after breaking Rybakina twice in the second set. The American took advantage, serving out the set after Rybakina double-faulted on break point to give her a 5-2 lead.

But Rybakina regrouped in the third, breaking Baptiste's shaky serve to take a 3-1 lead. From there, she rode the momentum to roll home to victory.

“She played really well,” Rybakina said. “She was staying aggressive. She has a good serve. I had my opportunities, didn't get them from the beginning, and then I was struggling in the second set, was rushing a bit.

“There are things for sure to improve on.”

The women's draw at Indian Wells was buzzing on Saturday, with top stars like Iga Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva, and Jessica Pegula in action alongside Rybakina. Karolina Muchova, fresh from her Doha title win, kicked off her campaign with a solid 7-5, 6-2 win over Anna Bondar.

The Czech's victory sets up a clash with either Rybakina or Baptiste in the next round. 

Signed, sealed and delivered 🙌

Karolina Muchova powers into round 3, defeating Bondar 7-5, 6-2 👏
#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/UulA1qNifs

— wta (@WTA) March 7, 2026

Iga Swiatek, the world number two, is facing US qualifier Kayla Day in Indian Wells. Swiatek, who has lifted the trophy in Indian Wells in 2022 and 2024, is hoping to kickstart her season with a win, after falling in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open and in Doha. This match marks the first meeting between Swiatek and Day, with Swiatek's experience and aggressive playstyle making her the favorite to advance.

Mirra Andreeva, the defending champion, looks to continue her impressive run at Indian Wells, taking on Solana Sierra in her next match. The Russian teenager is aiming to join an elite group of women who've won back-to-back titles in Indian Wells.

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula will face off against Croatian veteran Donna Vekic in the night session on Stadium Court.