BNP Paribas Open: Sabalenka, Rybakina set for championship showdown, rematch of 2023 final

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) -- The women's singles final is set for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will square off against World No. 3 Elena Rybakina, a rematch of the 2026 Australian Open final and the 2023 BNP Paribas Open final. Rybakina won both those matches.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues desert dominance, defeating Noskova in semis (6-3, 6-4). The 27-year-old from Belarus will have a chance to win her first tournament title on Sunday. @KESQ @kendallkesq @Tarp1969

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 14, 2026

World No. 3 Elena Rybakina advances to Indian Wells final, setting up championship showdown with Sabalenka. This is a rematch of the 2026 @AustralianOpen final and 2023 @BNPPARIBASOPEN final. Rybakina won both. Sabalenka leads all-time series 8-7.@KESQ @kendallkesq @Tarp1969

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 14, 2026

Sabalenka is seeking her first title in the desert, while Rybakina is the 2023 tournament champion, defeating Sabalenka 7-6, 6-4.

This will be the 16th meeting between Sabalenka and Rybakina. Sabalenka leads the all-time series 8-7, but Rybakina has won the last two matches.

Here's a look at both players by the numbers.

ARYNA SABALENKA (Belarus)

• Age: 27
• WTA Rank: 1
• Grand Slams: 4
• WTA Titles: 22
• 2026 Record: 12-1

ELENA RYBAKINA (Kazakhstan)

• Age: 26
• WTA Rank: 3
• Grand Slams: 2
• WTA Titles: 12
• 2026 Record: 13-3

The women's final will be played on Sunday, March 15 inside Stadium 1 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.