Sabalenka: "I hope to win all matches against Rybakina from now on"

Aryna Sabalenka has not only won the Indian Wells 2026 WTA 1000 tournament with an epic victory over Elena Rybakina, but she has also defeated her past demons by saving a match point and overcoming the Kazakh player in a great final after succumbing in the 2026 Australian Open and the 2023 Indian Wells tournament, something she analyzed in the press conference.

The number one in the WTA ranking is absolutely dominating the women's circuit, and she has praised the figure of Elena Rybakina as her great rival and main pursuer. Today's final was an ode to tennis, in which Sabalenka has shown her pride in how she managed her emotions and found answers to all the problems that arose, allowing her to lift her first major trophy of 2026.

Full press conference of Sabalenka after winning Indian Wells 2026

Epic final of the third set against Rybakina

I have no idea. It was crazy hot. I was dying in the tie-break, but I also saw that she wasn't at her best either. So, I tried to give it my all, pushing myself to the limit. I am very happy that in those last three points of the match, I was able to produce really good tennis and secure the victory.

Missed opportunities and saved match point

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Luckily for me, she served long again, and I just covered that side. And no matter how fast the serve is, I know I can block and return it. I was very lucky on that point. I hit two really great shots, and I feel that was the moment that gave me so much mental strength. Yes, I was lucky. I was lucky on some points and unlucky on others, so I guess it all evens out -smiles-.

Stress and nerves during the match

Well, as I said before coming to this final, I am very tired of losing these big finals. I mean, don't get me wrong, my opponents played incredible tennis, but still, I managed to fight and create my chance, and didn't capitalize on it so many times. So in this final, with how I started the first set and then the first game of the second set, I was not happy with that at all, and I was just trying to find something, to find a way to get this victory for myself to feel more secure for the next final.

Racket change

It was crazy hot, and it felt like the ball was flying all over the place. I needed to change the racket to make it a bit more secure. So it was like... I don't know what to call it, a tactical move.

Changes after losing the first set

The idea was to have plans A, B, C, D, E, and so on. Today, plans A, B, and C definitely didn't work, so I had to run and get back as many balls as possible. Then, when I felt more secure, I returned to my usual game, which is aggressive and dominant. So I guess I am super, super happy to have been able to go that far and have so many tools in my game, so that whatever happens in the match, I can still find the little details that will help me win the match.

Celebration on the plane

Well, I guess I'll have a couple of espresso martinis and take-out from Five Guys. Basically, that's why I'm never in shape, because it's Five Guys and espresso martinis for celebration (laughs). Maybe a couple of drinks just to cheer us up and that's it, because the schedule is very tight and we're already onto the next one. I can't relax too much because I'm the reigning champion there, and also, it's Miami. I love being there, playing there, so I want to do well there too. I'll try to stay relaxed but focused. I suppose it's again about finding the balance in everything, so I'll try to balance it the best way possible.

Learning from past defeats

I guess it all comes with experience. With so many finals I've lost, they have taught me many things, like the match is never decided until it's over. So even if it's a match point, you still have a chance to get back into the game. That's something I've learned to be mentally strong no matter what happens. And even though I've lost so many important and painful finals, I would say that I can still go out there, and even when things aren't going well, I can maintain focus and fight for it.

Rivalry with Rybakina

She is a lovely girl. I would say she is the kindest on the circuit. We have been playing for a long time and have had many matches. And honestly, I truly enjoy it, even though I have lost many of them and some have been very painful. But still, I enjoy it because it means the final is going to be a spectacle, it's going to be a great, high-level tennis, and it's going to be a battle, which is great for the public and also for me to become a better player. I really enjoy our rivalry. So yes, I like her as a person, as a player, and I enjoy these battles. But I really hope to win them all from now on.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Espero ganar todos los partidos a Rybakina a partir de ahora"