Aryna Sabalenka saves match point to edge Elena Rybakina in epic Indian Wells final

In a match that will likely be remembered as one of the best of the 2026 season, Sabalenka saved a match point in an epic final-set tie-break to claim her first Indian Wells title, finding a way to edge past one of her fiercest rivals.

It was a fitting conclusion to the women's event at Indian Wells, with world No. 1 Sabalenka battling to a thrilling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) victory against Rybakina, who is set to climb to just one place behind her in the rankings on Monday. The contest served as a stunning advertisement for the women's game.

Sabalenka saved the match point she faced with a fearless strike in the tie-break, firing a winner past Rybakina to swing the momentum in her favour before sealing victory a couple of points later.

The triumph marked a significant moment for Sabalenka, who had fallen short in several major finals in recent years. This time, however, she held her nerve when it mattered most to secure the title.

Sabalenka earned every cent of the prize money on offer, with the women's champion at Indian Wells taking home a bumper $1,151,380. The tournament operates an equal prize money policy alongside the men's event.

The Belarusian will also collect 1,000 valuable ranking points, further strengthening her position at world No. 1, while Rybakina was denied the chance to cut into her lead at the top of the standings.

"What a day, it's boiling hot," said Sabalenka.

"Hopefully I can make some sense here and thank God I got this trophy. This is everything, this is the dream."

Rybakina will receive $612,340 in prize money and will also add 650 ranking points to her total after a fine run at Indian Wells.

"Congratulations to Aryna and her team. Hopefully we will play very soon again," said the runner-up. "Not the result we wanted but it's been a good couple of weeks."

Sabalenka will now head to the Miami Open confident of retaining her title in Florida and completing the 'Sunshine Double' of WTA 1000 events in the month of March. 

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