Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | Final

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Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina in the final of Indian Wells for a second time.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time:

Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina ticket information

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina prediction

Aryna Sabalenka reached her third final at Indian Wells after defeating Linda Noskova in straight sets. It was another comfortable match for the world number one, who broke twice in the first set and went on to win 6-3 6-4 after one hour and 28 minutes. Sabalenka has now won 16 of her 17 matches in 2026.

That one loss was against Elena Rybakina, who beat Elina Svitolina to set up another meeting with Sabalenka. Rybakina went an early break down and failed to serve out the match at the first attempt but still sealed a 7-5 6-4 victory.

The rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina renews, with the latter having beaten the four-time Grand Slam champion in the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. That was Rybakina’s second successive win against Sabalenka, having also defeated her in the WTA Finals. Nevertheless, Sabalenka does lead the head-to-head 8-7.

This will also be the second final at Indian Wells between the pair, with Rybakina winning in 2023. Her serve has not been at its best during this event, which could provide some hope for Sabalenka in her return games. She will be out for revenge here, while she is also desperate for a title at Indian Wells after two previous failed attempts in finals.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina tip: Aryna Sabalenka to win