Sabalenka Sets Up Indian Wells Final Clash with Rybakina

Sabalenka beat the 14th-ranked Noskova 6–3, 6–4, while Rybakina overcame Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 7–5, 6–4, renewing their anticipated rivalry following the Melbourne final.

Rybakina and Sabalenka to renew rivalry

Rybakina had also beaten Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final in 2023, leaving the Belarusian still searching for her first title at the tournament after two previous attempts.

Sabalenka, who has been delivering strong performances this year in the California desert, said: “I want that match.”

Powerful performance from the baseline

She struck 37 winners, including 11 aces, and maintained relentless pressure from the baseline in a solid victory over Noskova.

Sabalenka broke Noskova’s powerful serve twice to surge ahead 5–1 in the first set.

She suffered a brief stumble when serving for the set, losing her service game after having dropped only one point in her first three service games.

Strong finish secures the win

Noskova kept her hopes alive with a marathon eighth game, saving a set point with a strong serve before closing it out with an ace.

When Sabalenka attempted once again to serve for the set, she opened with a double fault and fell behind 0–30. She quickly regained her composure with two powerful serves and a strong backhand winner to earn another set point, sealing the set with an ace.

Sabalenka broke Noskova’s serve at the start of the second set and steadily moved ahead.

Noskova managed to fend off a second break point but failed to capitalise on an opportunity to break Sabalenka in the eighth game. Sabalenka eventually closed out the match with a forehand

winner on her third match point.