It won’t make up for a grand slam title but Aryna Sabalenka gained some Australian Open revenge on Elena Rybakina with a thrilling win in the Indian Wells final.
The world No.1 was pushed to her limits but produced some fearless power tennis in the third set tiebreak to claim a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) victory on Monday morning (AEDT).
It was third time lucky for Sabalenka, who had lost her previous two Indian Wells deciders – against Rybakina in 2023 and Mirra Andreeva last year.
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Aryna Sabalenka helps Ash cool down. Stan
“Well guys, what a day. It’s boiling hot. I’m not sure if I can make sense right now, but I’ll try my best,” Sabalenka said afterwards.
“Thanks God I got this trophy. This is everything, this is the dream, and please stay hydrated. It’s super hot. I don’t want anyone to pass out, so guys, take care.”
A jubilant Sabalenka also helped her newly acquired puppy Ash cool down with an ice bath while flashing her massive diamond engagement ring and dancing a happy jig.
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Aryna Sabalenka flashes her engagement ring. Stan
“Thanks to my fiancé (Georgios Franguli)! What a week, getting a puppy, getting engaged and winning the title,” she said.
“I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you everyone.”
The Belarusian now holds a 9-7 all-time record over the Kazakh after the latest instalment of their blossoming rivalry.
Aryna Sabalenka poses with the championship trophy after defeating Elena Rybakina. Getty
There’s not much time to celebrate for Sabalenka, who was set to leave straight away for the Miami Open, where she’s the defending champion.
“Probably will have a couple drinks on the plane and that’s it,” Sabalenka said.
“I’m defending champion there, so I have to bring my best tennis there. But with these vibes that I’m taking from here, I think I’ll be able to be there and to fight and to do my very best to defend that beautiful trophy.”
Italy’s Jannik Sinner downed Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in the men’s final.
The world No.2 came back from 0-4 down in the second set tiebreak to win at Indian Wells for the first time.
“It’s great to see Daniil back, playing at this level,” Sinner said.
Jannik Sinner of Italy returns against Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Getty
Sinner then congratulated fellow Italian Kimi Antonelli, who won Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.
“It hasn’t anything to do with tennis, but it has been a special day for Italy,” Sinner said.
“Because I’m a huge Formula 1 fan and having a very, very young Italian, Kimi, bringing Italy back home at the top, it’s amazing. So, thanks, Kimi, thanks Formula 1, and see you next year.”