Elena Rybakina claimed a dominant win over Katie Boulter to stay in the hunt at Indian Wells. The 2023 champion had an impressive first set, handing out a bagel, and then came from behind to win a tight second set, closing the match 6-0, 7-5.
The world No. 7 continues to prove why she's one of the favourites, extending her Indian Wells win streak to 8 consecutive victories after missing the 2024 edition. Rybakina will face the winner between Clara Tauson (22nd) and Mirra Andreeva (9th) in the fourth round, who will play a rematch of the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final.
First Set
While Rybakina was the favourite going into the match, few would have predicted such a dominant first set. The Kazakh was almost untouchable on serve, dropping only 3 service points throughout the set and winning 63% of return points.
Boulter’s first service game was tightly contested, but Rybakina took advantage on the second break point to take the lead. From there, it seemed everything was in Rybakina’s control. She was superior in the rallies and kept most points short. Boulter couldn’t defend her serve, and the Kazakh capitalized to take a 6-0 lead.
Second Set
After a one-sided first set, Boulter managed to regroup mentally for the second. She served well early on but failed to earn any break points. The match remained level at 3-3, at which point Boulter had her first break opportunity and seized it.
The British No. 1 moved ahead to 5-3 and had a chance to serve for the set. However, Rybakina regained control, maintaining her usual calm composure, and won the next four games consecutively, closing out the match on her first match point, 6-0, 7-5.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion, one of the best in form at the tournament, not only defeated a respected opponent but also dominated in rallies and with her serve, winning 73% of points on her first serve. Those numbers make her hard to beat for anyone on the Tour. She now awaits either Andreeva or Tauson in the fourth round.
Match Statistics Rybakina vs. Boulter
| Rybakina | VS | Boulter |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 6 | Aces | 2 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 69% (34/49) | 1st Service Percentage | 58% (33/57) |
| 85% (29/34) | 1st Service Points Won | 61% (20/33) |
| 50% (8/16) | 2nd Service Points Won | 48% (13/27) |
| 0% (0/1) | Break Points Saved | 50% (4/8) |
| 89% (8/9) | Service Games | 50% (4/8) |
| Return | ||
| 39% (13/33) | 1st Return Points Won | 15% (5/34) |
| 52% (14/27) | 2nd Return Points Won | 50% (8/16) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 15m | Match Duration | 1h 15m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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