Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant form at Indian Wells this year, beating Linda Noskova to secure her spot in the final.
She is yet to drop a set, and would be a huge favourite to claim the title. That is, if Elena Rybakina had not also qualified for that stage.
Setting up a rematch of the Australian Open final from earlier this year, it poses an instant opportunity for the world number one to gain revenge.
However, her record in finals is spotty, particularly against Rybakina at this stage.
Aryna Sabalenka has been speaking about her chances, whilst also recalling the time she lost to the Kazakhstani superstar in the Indian Wells final three years ago.
Aryna Sabalenka previews Indian Wells final vs Elena Rybakina
Asked about that match, she began by stating: “You know, the thing is I don’t remember anything.”
However, she swiftly remembered, admitting: “No, I remember that it was the tiebreak, like, really tight tiebreak, and I remember I had set points, and I double-faulted. Then it was very — I feel like I remember that I was one break up. Then she broke me back. Then it was a tiebreak, crazy tiebreak. Then I lost the first set.
What does Aryna Sabalenka need to change in 2026 to win multiple Grand Slam titles?
“And things didn’t really go well in the second set. That’s what I remember.”
Sabalenka then analysed their upcoming clash, even before Rybakina had finished off Elina Svitolina in the semi-final.
She added: “You know, like, I feel like against Elena, it’s always super-aggressive, it’s all about the first few balls in every point. You know, if you dominate in those two points, I feel like most likely you’re gonna win the point.
“It’s very aggressive, very fast tennis. Yeah, if it’s her, I’m excited, actually.”
Rybakina beat Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in a tough three-set battle. Fans will be expecting much of the same tomorrow in the California desert.
Aryna Sabalenka’s head-to-head record against Elena Rybakina
Despite being the dominant force on the WTA Tour, Sabalenka only narrowly leads her head-to-head against Rybakina.
And, rather worryingly, the Belarusian has lost their last two meetings, both of which came in the final match of a tournament.
This is a rivalry that ebbs and flows with alarming regularity, impossible to predict.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
They are arguably the two biggest ball-strikers in the women’s game, and if one player is even marginally unprepared, they are punished.
Of the five finals they have played, Rybakina has won four of them. Sabalenka, overall, has eight wins to her opponent’s seven though.
