Third time proved to be the charm for World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka as she captured her maiden Indian Wells title by defeating Elena Rybakina in a match that went down to the wire. The World No.1 made a stunning comeback after losing the first set 3-6, she went on to clinch the next two 6-3, 7-6. But coming into the match with a 1-4 final record against Rybakina, the Belarusian didn’t let the painful history repeat itself.

In her third shot at the Indian Wells title, Sabalenka finally got her moment. She saved a championship point in a tense tiebreak to claim her first trophy in the California desert after finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2025. The win brings her 23rd WTA title and second of the season after her Brisbane triumph in January. After winning the final point, Aryna got a little teary-eyed as she made her way to shake Rybakina’s hand.

It also delivers sweet revenge over her opponent, ending a four-match skid against the Kazakh star. She had previously lost to Rybakina in the final contested in 2023 and had fallen on the final hurdle once again in 2025 as Mirra Andreeva got the better of her. But the third time was truly a charm for her.

It was truly a grueling match that went on for two hours and 31 minutes. The pendulum swung in the favour of both players on multiple occasions, and it was quite hard to predict as to who would come out on top. While Sabalenka did go on to win in the end, Rybakina’s valiant effort was nothing short of commendable.

The Kazakh had made a strong start to the match and appeared to be in control as she clinched the opening set. It looked like another title win was on the cards for her, but Sabalenka refused to go down without a fight. She took home the second set to keep her hopes alive and this also shifted the momentum in her favor.

Rybakina failed to hold onto her serve in the third set and Sabalenka looked to have taken a decisive lead at 5-4 as she served for the match. However, the World No.3 wasn’t done just yet and broke her opponent’s serve to extend the match further. But this game resulted in a major hit to Rybakina’s stamina, and her serve wasn’t at her best. This helped Sabalenka take the advantage once again and she had the opportunity to break right back.

But in a game that just didn’t seem to end, Rybakina saved five break points and somehow found a way to take a 6-5 lead in the set. Sabalenka had no problems in holding her serve as the Indian Wells final headed into the third set tiebreaker for only the third time in history.

Aryna Sabalenka survives thrilling tiebreaker to claim victory

Both the players were in no mood of giving in to the pressure and the breaker was also a pretty even contest. However, this time it was Rybakina’s turn to take the advantage as she cruised to a 6-5 lead and had the opportunity to serve for the match. With her opponent being on the verge of victory, Sabalenka had her back firmly against the wall. But this was the point where the 27-year-old showed why she is highest-ranked women’s player in the world.

A brilliant backhand crosscourt winner helped her level the breaker at 6-6 before she went on to seal her victory by winning two consecutive points. This was a statement win for Sabalenka as she claimed her second title of the year after the Brisbane International and will now be looking to maintain this form in the upcoming competitions.

Following the memorable win, Sabalenka explained how the past two weeks have been special for her. “Thank God I got this trophy. What a week: getting a puppy, getting engaged and winning a title. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

This statement came after she had announced her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis ahead of her opening encounter at the Indian Wells. She had also introduced her new puppy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ash.

Sabalenka will now start gearing up for the Miami Open that is all set to begin from March 16. She will head into the tournament as the defending champion and will definitely be one of the favorites to lift the title.