Sabalenka and Rybakina Set for BNP Paribas Open Final Rematch
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The BNP Paribas Open will culminate in a highly anticipated rematch between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina on Sunday. The top-ranked Sabalenka and third-ranked Rybakina both secured their places in the final after impressive semifinal victories on Friday.
Sabalenka Advances to Third Indian Wells Final
Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time runner-up at Indian Wells, defeated Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4 in her semifinal match. The Belarusian has a 12-1 record in 2026, with her only loss coming against Rybakina.
ESPN “Sabalenka improved to 12-1 in 2026 with her victory Friday, which came after she reached the semifinals for the sixth consecutive WTA Tour event.”
Sabalenka connected on 38 of 58 first serves and notched 11 aces against Noskova. She is seeking her first title at Indian Wells, having previously finished as runner-up in 2023, and 2025.
Rybakina Continues Strong Form
Elena Rybakina secured her spot in the final with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Elina Svitolina. The 2023 Indian Wells champion is aiming for her second title in Tennis Paradise.
BNP Paribas Open “Rybakina won 78% of her first serves against Svitolina, who double-faulted eight times in their semifinal.”
Rybakina has a 12-match winning streak against Top 10 players. She previously defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
Head-to-Head and Championship Implications
Sabalenka and Rybakina have met 16 times, with Sabalenka holding a narrow 8-7 edge. However, Rybakina has won their last two encounters, including the Australian Open final. Sabalenka is 0-2 in previous Indian Wells finals.
“I’ll make sure that I’m more than ready on Sunday, and I’ll bring my best tennis, make sure that What we have is the year,” Sabalenka said.
Rybakina stated, “Of course I’m going to fight as much as I can, and hopefully it’s going to be a great match.”
FAQ
- Who are the finalists at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open?
- What is Sabalenka’s record at Indian Wells?
- Has Rybakina won Indian Wells before?
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
She has been runner-up in 2023 and 2025 and is now in the final for the third time.
Yes, she won the title in 2023.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top players, with both seeking a significant title. The match is scheduled for Sunday, and fans can expect a high-level battle for the championship.