MINSK, 15 March (BelTA) – Belarus’ world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Kazakhstan’s world number three Elena Rybakina in the 2026 Indian Wells, BelTA has learned.
In the 2023 final, Rybakina defeated the Belarusian in two sets, 7-6, 6-4. Additionally, a year ago, Sabalenka lost in the final match to Russia’s Mirra Andreeva. In their 15 previous encounters, Aryna Sabalenka has won eight times against Rybakina. In the recent Australian Open final, the Kazakhstani player came out on top. The winner of today’s match will earn more than $1.1 million, while the runner-up will receive $612,300.
On her path to the final match, Sabalenka defeated Japan’s Hineme Sakatsume (World No. 132), 6-4, 6-2, Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian (35), 6-4, 6-1, Japan’s Naomi Osaka (16), 6-2, 6-4, Canada’s Victoria Mboko (10), 7-6 (7-0), 6-4, and Czech player Linda Noskova (14), 6-3, 6-4.
In 2012 and 2016, the Indian Wells tournament was won by Belarusian Victoria Azarenka.
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