Elena Rybakina dismisses the argument of change in speed of Indian Wells courts due to changed suppliers

Elena Rybakina joined Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz sharing their input about the new court speed at Indian Wells.

Elena Rybakina dismisses the argument of change in speed of Indian Wells courts due to changed suppliers

Elena Rybakina (Image via X)

Elena Rybakina has shared her thoughts on the new court surface at Indian Wells. In 2025, the BNP Paribas Open switched from Plexicushion to Laykold.

Laykold is also used at the Miami Open and the US Open, where courts are usually slow. However, there is a debate about the speed of the new courts at Indian Wells. Rybakina does not agree with the complaints.

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I don’t feel like it’s much faster. But I would say the bounce is maybe a little bit lower. The last few days it was very windy and very sunny, so the bounce is also a little bit different. But I think the court is still nice.

Elena Rybakina said in her press conference

Daniil Medvedev has reached the finals at Indian Wells twice. He has often criticized the slow courts there. After trying the new surface, he said it feels the same or even slower and rougher. He was not impressed by the change. Aryna Sabalenka, who has a powerful game, has a different view. She thinks the new surface is a bit faster. For her, this is a good thing.

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Carlos Alcaraz, who has won Indian Wells twice, has not practiced on the new courts yet. When he heard about the surface change, he was confused and did not understand why it was made.

Elena Rybakina hopes to bounce back at Indian Wells

Elena Rybakina is excited to return to the Indian Wells tournament. Last year, she could not defend her title because of health problems. She won her first WTA 1000 title there two years ago by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. Now, she hopes to win the trophy again.

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina (via X)

When Rybakina won at Indian Wells, she reached the seventh spot in the world rankings. Her path to the title included a big win over Iga Swiatek. Sadly, she had to withdraw last year due to stomach issues. This sudden exit was a big disappointment for her and her fans.

Rybakina is fit and ready for her fourth Indian Wells appearance. As the seventh seed, she gets a bye to the second round. She might face Marie Bouzkova first and possibly Katie Boulter in the third round.

Rybakina’s journey will not be easy. From the round of 16, she could face tough opponents like Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula, and Swiatek. If she advances, she might get a chance to play against Sabalenka in a rematch of the 2023 final. Fans are eager to see if she can win her second title at Indian Wells.