Sabalenka Battles to Indian Wells Title

Getting a puppy, getting engaged, saving championship point and winning a long-awaited Indian Wells title – it has been a week world number one Aryna Sabalenka will remember "for the rest of my life".

In the latest chapter of what has already developed into an extraordinary rivalry, Sabalenka put the ghosts of January's Australian Open final defeat against Elena Rybakina to bed with a 3-6 6-3 7-6 (8-6) victory over the Kazakh.

The players pushed each other to the limit under the blazing sun in California until Sabalenka edged the tie-break, including saving championship point with a thumping backhand winner.

After securing victory with a service winner, Sabalenka celebrated by dunking her head in an ice cooler.

"What a week. Getting a puppy, getting engaged and winning a title - I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life," Belarusian Sabalenka said.

"This is truly tennis paradise and I'm always happy to come here. Thank God I finally got this trophy.

"This is everything, this is the dream."

- Author: Bobbie Jackson, BBC