Elena Rybakina will face Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final, in a match that promises fireworks.
After all, this is one of the most finely-balanced rivalries at the top of the WTA Tour, pitting two explosive hitters against one another, with the title now in sight.
Whilst Sabalenka claims to know what to expect from Rybakina ahead of this match, the Kazakhstan star instead suggested that she knows exactly what will decide this hotly-anticipated final.
Elena Rybakina says what will decide the Indian Wells final vs Aryna Sabalenka
Asked about their 2023 meeting at this same event, where Elena Rybakina won in straight sets, she admitted that any match against Aryna Sabalenka is tough.
And, in reminiscing, she seemed to stumble upon the key that could decide this latest iteration of their rivalry.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
If not, who is better?
Rybakina claimed: “It was tough matches, any match I play against Aryna, and I have been serving well.
“I remember that match, but again, we played so many times, and I think it all depends in these moments, close moments, which we usually have for whoever steps in, plays more aggressive, more solid.
“So, yeah, it’s gonna be a very difficult match.”
Why Aryna Sabalenka thinks she lost the Australian Open final vs Elena Rybakina
What’s most exciting about this upcoming clash is the fact that it offers Sabalenka a chance for almost instant revenge after losing in the Australian Open final to Rybakina.
There, despite leading in the third set, she conspired to blow her lead, and the title slipped out of her grasp.
However, in the aftermath, she seemed to know exactly why she lost that match.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
It will be really interesting to see how she adjusts here in Indian Wells, and if she can maintain the focus that abandoned her in Melbourne.
Speaking after that final, Sabalenka claimed: “She lost her focus, I was 3-love. I lost my focus, it was, like, 3-4. She did a better job in handling that pressure moment, that’s for sure.”
It seems that, with so much power set to be on display, it will actually be mental fortitude that decides this final again.
