At long last: Sabalenka outlasts Rybakina in championship classic, wins first Indian Wells title

INDIAN WELLS, (Calif.) -- As the saying goes, third time's the charm.

That was the case Sunday for Aryna Sabalenka, earning the 2026 BNP Paribas Open women's singles title for the first time.

At long last! World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wins first tournament title at Indian Wells, defeating Elena Rybakina in three-set championship classic (3-6, 6-3, 7-6). What a match! @KESQ @kendallkesq @Tarp1969 pic.twitter.com/edIJgZMaX8

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 15, 2026

But it didn't come easy for the World No. 1.

After dropping the first set and saving championship point, Sabalenka battled back to defeat Elena Rybakina in a three-set classic (3-6, 6-3, 7-6).

PARADISE FOUND: 🏆@SabalenkaA digs deep to defeat Rybakina in a three set blockbuster final, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6)!#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/1VQdBXsoXf

— wta (@WTA) March 15, 2026

The match lasted 2 hours and 31 minutes inside a hot Stadium 1 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Sabalenka's victory over Rybakina avenged two recent losses in tournament finals, the 2026 Australian Open and 2023 BNP Paribas Open.

This is Sabalenka's 23rd WTA title of her career.

THE WAIT IS OVER 🏆 @SabalenkaA saves championship point to become the women’s singles champion! #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/JQtv0fj9uw

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2026

With the win, the 27-year-old Sabalenka earns $1,151,380 in prize money, while runner-up Rybakina takes home $612,340.

A four-time grand slam champion from Belarus, this is Sabalenka's 10th Masters 1000 championship.

That winning feeling. @Tarp1969 captures Aryna Sabalenka's first championship at Indian Wells. @KESQ @kendallkesq @BNPPARIBASOPEN #TennisParadise #IndianWells pic.twitter.com/Tp1otNgN2O

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 15, 2026