Elena Rybakina's Indian Wells Title Win vs. Aryna Sabalenka Has Fans Hyping Rivalry
Elena Rybakina picked a great time to earn her first career victory over Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka won their first four head-to-head meetings, but the run ended in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday. Rybakina prevailed in straight sets, 7-6 (11), 6-4, avenging her loss in the Australian Open final.
The two engaged in a marathon tiebreaker in the first set that made for great theater. With the Kazakhstani serving at set point, Sabalenka capped off a rally with a forehand that sailed long to bring the opening frame to a conclusion.
Sabalenka had 10 double-faults across the 13 games, which only heightened the sense of drama.
The Belarusian star was much sharper on serve in the second set, but it didn't matter as Rybakina used two service breaks to quickly build a 5-2 lead. Sabalenka's brief comeback came far too late to make a difference in the match.
The Miami Open, which starts this week, is the final hardcourt stop on the WTA Tour schedule before clay-court preparations begin ahead of the French Open.
Sabalenka will face off with Sloane Stephens or Shelby Rogers when she opens play in the second round. Rybakina was afforded a first-round bye as well and drawn against the winner of Anna Kalinskaya vs. Victoria Jimรฉnez Kasintseva.
Fans can only hope to see another installment of Sabalenka and Rybakina's budding rivalry in South Florida.
