Aryna Sabalenka is done being the bridesmaid but not the bride in major tennis finals, as she looks to end her losing streak against world no. 3 Elena Rybakina.

The world no. 1 has mostly been untouchable during the 80 weeks she has held the ranking, yet big stage collapses have continuously been a thorn in her way. Sabalenka advanced to the Indian Wells final after defeating 14th seed Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday, placing herself in the title match of all three tournaments she has competed in 2026.

However, considering her Australian Open 2026 debacle, she said, “I just want to focus. If I make it to the final, I want to make sure that I get it, I get the trophy. I’m so done of losing these big finals. It felt like even though players were playing incredible tennis in those finals, I feel like I had so many opportunities that I didn’t use.”

The world No. 1's record in Grand Slam finals is 4-4, 0-2 in the WTA Finals, and 0-2 in the Indian Wells title matches, a bit of an unusual trajectory for a player of her stature.

"Right now, my mentality [is], if I make it to the final, I’ll go out there, and I’ll do everything I can and everything I cannot to get that trophy.” The Belarusian added.

The bigger challenge arises with whom she is facing in the final, and that's Elana Rybakina. The world no.3 is 4-1 up against Sabalenka in finals of tournaments, edging her out in the 2023 Indian Wells Final, 2024 Brisbane, 2025 WTA Finals, and the most recent Australian Open Final as well.

Aryna Sabalenka Recalls 2023 Indian Wells Finals Loss Against Rybakina Ahead of the Rematch

Aryna Sabalenka's first loss against Rybakina in a final happened in the same event three years ago. She briefly reflected on what happened during the match against the 26-year-old, where her missed chances once again proved decisive.

“I remember it was a really tight tiebreak. I had set points, and I double-faulted. I felt like I was one break-up, and then she broke me back. Then it was a crazy tiebreak, and I lost the first set.” Sabalenka said after her semi-final triumph against Noskova.

The Belarusian also remarked on what she thinks is the key to winning a point against Rybakina, after countless high-profile encounters against the Kazakhstani.

“Against Elena, it’s always super-aggressive. It’s all about the first few balls in every point. If you dominate in those first two shots, most likely you’re going to win the point,” the world No. 1 added.

The rich history between Sabalenka and Rybakina makes their sixth encounter in a final all the more loaded. Another loss against Rybakina would threaten her top spot and raise questions among the tennis fraternity about her inability to handle pressure.

But a win would mean more than just the title. Sabalenka would be one step closer to silencing her demons of the past and putting a stamp on her dominance as the world no.1.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy