INDIAN WELLS: World number one Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina advanced to the Indian Wells final on Friday with straight-sets victories over Linda Noskova and Elina Svitolina, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of their recent Australian Open Grand Slam title clash.
Sabalenka continued her dominant start to the season, improving to 16 wins in her first 17 matches. Her only loss this year came against Rybakina in the Melbourne final in January. The Belarusian powered past Noskova 6–3, 6–4 and will now compete for the Indian Wells crown for the third time in four years as she chases her first title in the Californian desert.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Rybakina faced a tougher test but prevailed over Ukraine’s Svitolina 7–5, 6–4 to book her place in the final and remain on course for a second title at the tournament.
Sunday’s championship match will mark the third final between Rybakina and Sabalenka in the past six months. The Kazakh has won their previous two meetings, claiming the WTA Finals trophy in November before defeating Sabalenka again to win the Australian Open title. (Reuters)
