“Challenging for me to compete,” Iga Swiatek blames injury for her AWFUL loss to Elena Rybakina in Indian Wells
Elena Rybakina gets another opportunity to win the title defeating Aryna Sabalenka after losing to her at the Australian Open earlier this year.
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Iga Swiatek
In the semifinals of the Indian Wells Open, Elena Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion, defeated the No.1 player Iga Swiatek for the second time this season. She put an end to Swiatek’s title defense and secured her place in the final. Rybakina, who is currently ranked No.10 in the world, won the match 6-2, 6-2 on Friday night.
Iga Swiatek acknowledged Elena Rybakina’s superiority in their match, stating that she gave it her all but Rybakina played better. Swiatek also revealed that she is experiencing discomfort and pain in her ribs, which made it difficult for her to perform at her best. Swiatek plans to consult with her team and take the next few days to recover.
After exiting the tournament, Swiatek penned an emotional message to her fans on her Twitter. She said, “Tough one tonight. I gave it all but Elena was a better player. Unfortunately I’m feeling discomfort and pain in my ribs and it was challenging for me to compete at my highest level. I will consult with my team and I will definitely use these next days to recover. See you soon!”
In the match, the Kazakhstani player ranked at No. 10, ended with 18 winners and 12 unforced errors, while successfully converting all five of her break point opportunities. On the other hand, Swiatek had 9 winners to 17 unforced errors and managed to convert only one out of her four break point opportunities.
Elena Rybakina set to face Aryna Sabalenka for yet another title clash
Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the final in the desert by defeating Maria Sakkari in straight sets in the first semifinal of the day. Rybakina will face Sabalenka in the final, whom she lost to in all four previous encounters. However, all of those matches have gone to three sets, including a close 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory for Sabalenka in this year’s Australian Open final.
Rybakina has become the second woman in history to defeat a reigning World No.1 at the Australian Open and Indian Wells in the same year. Since Garbine Muguruza’s 35 points dropped in a match against Iga Swiatek in Dubai 2021, Elena Rybakina now holds the record for the fewest points dropped in a single match against Swiatek in Indian Wells 2023, with only 37 points dropped.
Fans are already excited to see these two play once again in the finals of a big tournament. Rybakina looks to take revenge on her loss at the Major, while, Sabalenka will be looking to close the gap in the points with Swiatek.
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