(VIDEO) Aryna Sabalenka shares heartfelt message to fiancé after Indian Wells triumph

Aryna Sabalenka’s Indian Wells triumph ended with an emotional message to her fiancé. Moments after saving a match point to defeat Elena Rybakina in the BNP Paribas Open final, the world No. 1 used her trophy speech to reflect on what she described as an unforgettable week.

Sabalenka completed a dramatic comeback to defeat Rybakina 3–6, 6–3, 7–6(6), sealing the title after winning three consecutive points in the deciding tie-break. The Belarusian erased a match point along the way to secure her first Indian Wells crown.

The victory marked Sabalenka’s 10th WTA 1000 title and the 23rd trophy of her career, including 20 on hard courts. It also ended Rybakina’s impressive run of 12 consecutive wins against top-10 opponents.

But the most memorable moment came after the match, when Sabalenka reflected on the personal milestones surrounding her victory. “And thanks to my fiancé. What a week, getting a puppy, getting engaged and winning the title," the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. "I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you everyone.”

The final followed a clear pattern before turning into a tense finish. Elena Rybakina controlled the opening set, Aryna Sabalenka responded in the second, and the deciding set ultimately became a dramatic contest settled in a tie-break.

Rybakina took the first set 6–3 after securing the only break in the sixth game. The Kazakh served efficiently throughout the opener, winning a high percentage of points behind her first serve and limiting Sabalenka’s chances on return.

Sabalenka responded by raising her level in the second set. The world No. 1 improved her returning and began dictating rallies more consistently from the baseline, eventually securing the decisive break before closing the set 6–3 to level the match.

The third set proved far more volatile. Sabalenka appeared in control after recovering from 40–0 down on Rybakina’s serve to break and move ahead 4–1. However, Rybakina broke back when Sabalenka served for the championship at 5–4 and later held under heavy pressure to force a tie-break.

In the tie-break, Rybakina moved ahead and earned a championship point on her own serve but failed to convert. Sabalenka responded immediately and finished the match strongly, winning the final three points in succession to close the tie-break 8–6 and secure the Indian Wells title.

Following the victory, Sabalenka thanked her opponent and the tournament organisers during her trophy speech, acknowledging the challenging conditions in the California desert.

“Well guys, what a day, it's boiling hot. I'm not sure if I can make sense right now, but I'll try my best," said the world No. 1. "First of all, congrats Elena on another great tournament. I really hope we're going to face each other in the very last stages of the tournament and bring these battles on court.”

The Belarusian also praised the fans who remained in the stadium throughout the final despite the heat. “Thank you Indian Wells, thank you BNP Paribas, thank you Tommy, thank you everyone who made this tournament happen. It's truly a tennis paradise and I'm always happy to come here every year and thanks God I got this trophy.”

Sabalenka then turned to her team, acknowledging the support she receives throughout the season. “Last but not least, I want to thank my team for always being there, for always advising me the best things, for always supporting me no matter what. For listening to all that crap that I'm saying when playing matches. Thank you for being so strong, I'm so proud of you guys.”

The title marks Sabalenka’s first victory at Indian Wells after reaching the final twice before. With 17 wins in her last 18 matches, the Belarusian leaves Tennis Paradise in strong form as the season continues.