March 18, (THEWILL) – Elena Rybakina defeated world number one, Iga Swiatek, in straight sets of 6-2 6-2 to advance to the Indian Wells final.
This is the second time this year that Rybakina has beaten Swiatek, having previously defeated her at the Australian Open. The defeat ends Swiatek’s hope of defending her title at Indian Wells. Wimbledon champion Rybakina put on a commanding performance against the defending champion, requiring only one hour and 17 minutes to secure her victory.
She took an early lead, breaking Swiatek’s serve in the opening game of the match, and never looked back. Swiatek struggled to keep up with Rybakina’s pace and power, making a double fault on set point to hand the first set to her opponent in just 36 minutes.
The defeat marks the end of Swiatek’s dream of becoming the first woman to defend the Indian Wells title since Martina Navratilova in 1991. Rybakina, on the other hand, is now one step closer to clinching her first Indian Wells title.
She will face the winner of the other semi-final match between Maria Sakkari and Ons Jabeur.
