Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka are set to face off in the final of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Ahead of this matchup, former American professional player Christopher Eubanks shared his thoughts on who he believes will claim the title.
This final marks the second time that Rybakina and Sabalenka have met at this level in Tennis Paradise, having previously competed against each other in the 2023 championship match, where the Kazakh emerged victorious with a score of 7-6(11), 6-4.
Ahead of Indian Wells Final, Elena Rybakina Deemed the Favorite To Win Against Aryna Sabalenka by Christopher Eubanks
Sabalenka and Rybakina have clashed 15 times on the WTA Tour, with the World No.1 winning eight of those encounters. Their most recent match took place in the final of the 2026 Australian Open, where Rybakina won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, claiming the second Grand Slam title of her career.
Rybakina and Sabalenka are seeded at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and started their campaigns in the second round after receiving first-round byes. The Kazakh secured her place in the final by defeating Hailey Baptiste, Marta Kostyuk, Sonay Kartal, Jessica Pegula, and Elina Svitolina.
On the other hand, the four-time singles Grand Slam champion reached the championship match at the WTA 1000 hard court tournament in California by eliminating Himeno Sakatsume, Jaqueline Cristian, Naomi Osaka, Victoria Mboko, and Linda Nosková.
Speaking on the Tennis Channel ahead of the final, Eubanks described Rybakina as a “big-time player” who thrives in “big-time moments.” He mentioned that when Rybakina progresses to the later rounds of tournaments, her game, service, and movement all improve, leading her to give her best.
“She’s [Elena Rybakina] a big-time player in big-time moments. So, with that game style, there have been a few players throughout history that you’re always kind of leery of if they make the later rounds of tournaments. I think Rybakina is certainly one of them because if she’s able to get to the final, clearly, that service firing, her ground game is firing, we’ve seen even in recent months her movement has gotten a lot better,” Eubanks said.
Eubanks also expressed that if Rybakina maintains her current form from Tennis Paradise, it will be “very difficult” for Sabalenka to “topple” her. He revealed that many within the tennis community view Rybakina as the “favorite” to beat Sabaenka and win the title.
DON’T MISS: Jannik Sinner ‘Feels Old Already’ Because of João Fonseca and Learner Tien at Indian Wells
“So if she’s able to play her way into form and reach a final, you know you are in tune for an in-form Elena Rybakina. She can be very difficult to topple. Aryna Sabalenka is the World No. 1, and that might be all. I’m not a betting person, but Elena Rybakina, those odds sure look good. I mean, there are people inside the tennis world who will view Rybakina as a serious favorite to beat Sabalenka,” he added.
This year, Rybakina will be aiming to win her second title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, while Sabalenka, who has finished as the runner-up in singles at this tournament twice — in 2023 and 2025 — will be seeking her first title in California.
