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"I'll make sure it was the last one": Cheeky Sabalenka interrupts Rybakina's Indian Wells speech

The Kazakh took the banter in stride, responding, "no, no, no. We see next time," on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Mar 20, 2023

INTERVIEW: E. Rybakina; Indian Wells Championship Win

Aryna Sabalenka didn’t come out on top of the BNP Paribas Open women’s singles final on Sunday, falling to Elena Rybakina, 7-6 (11), 6-4.

But that didn’t stop her from continuing to entertain everyone inside Stadium 1 and those tuning in for the trophy presentation.

When it was Rybakina’s turn to take the microphone, the 2022 Wimbledon champion turned to congratulate her opponent on the “great results for this year”. Sabalenka, who edged the Kazakh for her maiden major singles crown at the Australian Open, responded by sticking out her tongue when Rybakina wasn’t looking.

But that wasn’t all. 😝

Rybakina brought up their rivalry, one where the 23-year-old finally broke into the win column after dropping four three-setters. “It’s actually [the] first time it went my way, so hopefully we’re gonna play many more finals.”

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Sabalenka and Rybakina will head into Miami as No. 1 and No. 2 in the Race to the WTA Finals.

Sabalenka and Rybakina will head into Miami as No. 1 and No. 2 in the Race to the WTA Finals.

© Getty Images

With a smile, Sabalenka then stepped up to interject a comment.

“I will make sure it was the last one,” she declared.

“No, no, no. We see next time” a beaming Rybakina replied as Sabalenka tapped her shoulder.

Rybakina then added, “It’s always been a pleasure to play against you, and always toughest battles.”

With her victory, Rybakina triumphed for the first time since becoming a major champion at 2022 Wimbledon.