Sabalenka claims her maiden title at Indian Wells

Aryna Sabalenka. Screenshot of the video

MINSK, 16 March (BelTA) - Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has won the WTA-1000 tournament in Indian Wells (USA) for the first time, BelTA has learned.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has congratulated Aryna Sabalenka on her victory at the Indian Wells tournament.

In the decisive match, the world No. 1 defeated the world No. 3, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). For Aryna Sabalenka, this was her third final in Indian Wells: she lost to Elena Rybakina in 2023 and to Russia’s Mirra Andreeva last year. The champion earned more than $1.1 million, while the runner-up received $612,300.

At Indian Wells Aryna Sabalenka defeated Hineme Sakatsume of Japan (No. 132) 6-4, 6-2; Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian (No.35) 6-4, 6-1; Japan’s Naomi Osaka (No. 16) 6-2, 6-4, Canada’s Victoria Mboko (No. 10) 7-6 (7-0), 6-4 and Linda Nosková of Czechia (No. 14), 6-3, 6-4.

Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka won the Indian Wells title in 2012 and 2016.