World number one Aryna Sabalenka and world number three Elena Rybakina will clash in the Indian Wells final this Sunday, marking their third championship meeting in just over four months.
Sabalenka secured her spot with a clinical 6-3 6-4 win over Linda Noskova, while Rybakina overcame Elina Svitolina 7-5 6-4.
Rybakina, who beat Sabalenka in last year’s final, has won four of their five previous title bouts.
“I’ve lost a couple of finals here,” Sabalenka said. “This is the year.”
The lead-up to the final has been marked by Sabalenka’s critique of a controversial video review during the quarter-finals.
Jack Draper was penalized for “hindrance” against Daniil Medvedev after stretching his arms mid-rally, a call made only after Medvedev lost the point and requested a replay.
Sabalenka argued the system is being misused:
“If you really got bothered, then you should stop immediately… If he would have won the point, he wouldn’t probably ask for the video review, right?”
The highly anticipated final kicks off Sunday in California.
