Aryna Sabalenka ended her Indian Wells curse on Sunday, overcoming Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in a gripping final to secure her 23rd career title.
Rybakina stormed ahead in the opener, breaking Sabalenka early and capitalizing on her backhand weaknesses to win 6-3. It was the first set Sabalenka had dropped at the tournament.
The second set began under pressure as Rybakina broke Sabalenka again in the opening game. But the four-time Grand Slam champion fought back, turning the momentum and winning 6-3.
The deciding set was a battle of wills. Sabalenka led 3-1, but Rybakina leveled at 5-5 and took the lead-only for Sabalenka to respond instantly, forcing a tiebreak. At 6-6, she pulled ahead to win 8-6.
With the final point, Sabalenka collapsed to her knees-relief and triumph after three years and three finals spent chasing the desert crown.