(Tennis news) Featuring in her first ATP 1000 final, Elena Rybakina overcame Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (13-11) 6-4 to win the Indian Wells title, avenging her loss against the same opponent in the Australian Open final. Rybakina came from a break down in a tight contest in the first set, committing 10 double faults but it was a straightforward victory from then on. The 23 year old Russian defeated defending champion and world number 1 Iga Swiatek on her way to the final and took a 3-2 lead when Sabalenka landed a forehand lob.

However, Rybakina refused to be cowered and held to love before Sabalenka handed back the break with a double fault to level the match 4-4. Sabalenka had chances in the opener but squandered three set points and sent a forehand long to give Rybakina control of the match. The 23 year old opened the second set with a break before Sabalenka managed to find her composure but Rybakina closed the match on her first championship point when her opponent sent a service return into the net.

The result was Rybakina’s first win over Sabalenka in five career meetings and it was the first time that the match didn’t go into three sets. The Russian’s record improved to 16-4 this year while world number 2 Sabalenka endured her second defeat of the season so far.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-2 to win the Indian Wells title