In her opening match at Indian Wells, Elena Rybakina encountered significant resistance from Hailey Baptiste before eventually prevailing. The Australian Open champion and 2023 Indian Wells titleholder had to save three set points in the first set but eventually took the match 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-2.
Rybakina Indian Wells performance was tested as Baptiste forced a third set after taking the second, highlighting the competitiveness of the contest amid demanding conditions that affected play.
Rybakina Highlights Difficulties Returning Baptiste’s Serve in Windy Conditions
Despite having one of the strongest serves on the WTA Tour, Rybakina managed to win only 65% of first-serve points during the match. She attributed some struggles to the windy conditions, which caused her to rush her serves.
Well, I was a little bit rushing on the serve since it was windy,
Rybakina said in her post-match press conference.
So I was just trying to play point at a time and not focus so much on the score, because in these conditions, anything can change quickly. Yeah, it’s slow courts, quite heavy balls. It’s not easy to move them.
Yeah, I was just trying to stay in the match. Dropped a little bit the energy in the second set, but overall, happy that I found my way in the end.
How Baptiste’s Aggressive Play and Serve Tested Rybakina
Rybakina also acknowledged the challenge posed by Baptiste’s game, especially her aggressive approach and strong serving. The two-time Grand Slam champion admitted the second serve was difficult to attack, often bouncing high and compounded by variable wind conditions.
So, yeah, she has a pretty good forehand, good slice, and I was trying to move a little bit the ball, but with the conditions, it was not easy. Also energy level was up and down a bit from my side.Yeah, but I think she played really well.
Baptiste, who experienced a breakthrough season in 2025 reaching a career-high world ranking of 47, has recently improved her standing to number 39, reflecting a return to form after a dip to 70 earlier in the year.
Rybakina Reflects on Performance Improvement Needed Despite Winning the Match
Although Rybakina found more comfort in the third set, she admitted the level of play was below her best and recognized the need to make quicker tactical decisions when opportunities arise.
Yeah, it was a bit better, but still, I would say that it’s not my best,
Rybakina said.
I should have find solution quicker, whenever I had the opportunity when I was up.
Yeah, some decisions also was a bit wrong. Yeah, something for me to definitely work on.
Looking Ahead: Rybakina’s Upcoming Match Against Marta Kostyuk
Rybakina’s next challenge will be against Marta Kostyuk, who holds a 1-0 advantage in their head-to-head meetings. However, Rybakina has won their last three encounters convincingly, conceding just nine games in total. This match will offer Rybakina a chance to test any adjustments made following her tough contest with Baptiste.
The outcome at Indian Wells will remain closely watched, especially given Rybakina’s status as a strong contender this year, alongside her previous successes at the tournament and Grand Slam level.
