Aryna Sabalenka won her first BNP Paribas Open title after defeating Elena Rybakina in a thrilling final at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
The match lasted about two and a half hours. Sabalenka lost the first set but fought back strongly to win 3–6, 6–3, 7–6 (8–6).
With this victory, the 27-year-old showed again that she is one of the best players in women’s tennis. The win was her 23rd career singles title and her 10th WTA 1000 title.
The victory was also special for Sabalenka because it helped her move past the disappointment of losing the final of the Australian Open earlier.
Read also on New Daily Prime:Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to win first Australian open title
Sabalenka warns of injury crisis in crowded Tennis calendar
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka said her main focus was to stay mentally strong throughout the game.
“I wanted to stay strong no matter what happened and show with my body language that I was ready to fight,” she said in a post-match interview with Tennis Channel.
Sabalenka also joked about celebrating the win but said she is already thinking about her next tournament.
“I’ll probably have a couple of drinks on the plane. But I’m the defending champion at my next event, so I need to be ready to bring my best tennis and try to defend the trophy,” she said.
