"I just wanna know how she held that" - Bianca Andreescu impressed by Elena Rybakina lifting notoriously heavy Indian Wells trophy with ease
Former Indian Wells champion Bianca Andreescu was very appreciative of Elena Rybakina for being able to lift the famously weighty BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) trophy without breaking a sweat.
Elena Rybakina reached her maiden Indian Wells final after defeating World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals of the tournament. She faced a challenge from Aryna Sabalenka in the final, who had defeated her in each of their four previous meetings on the WTA tour.
The pair engaged in a tough battle in the first set, gaining one break of serve apiece which led to a thrilling 17-minute long tiebreak. Sabalenka's 10th double fault of the match came at a decisive moment which allowed Rybakina to clinch the first set. She then commanded proceedings in the second set to win her first WTA 1000 title 7-6(11), 6-4.
The newly minted World No. 6 was all smiles as she held the Indian Wells trophy aloft for the camera.
A title so good, she had to smile 😉🏆
#TennisParadise | @Baccarat twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/zLKQKBfwbj
The 2019 Indian Wells champion Bianca Andreescu was very impressed by Elena Rybakina's ability to hold the heavy trophy aloft with ease.
"I just wanna know how she held that damn," Andreescu joked.
I just wanna know how she held that damn😂😂😂😂 twitter.com/bnpparibasopen…
Following her win in 2019, the Canadian did not even attempt to lift the trophy from its stand due to its notoriously heavy nature.
@Bandreescu_ Four years later I finally understand why you didn't attempt to pick it up😂 https://t.co/cp81tCzYGG
Elena Rybakina calms expectations of winning the Sunshine Double ahead of Miami Open 2023
With her title win at the BNP Paribas Open, Elena Rybakina is halfway through to winning the prestigious Sunshine Double. While speaking about mounting a title run at the upcoming Miami Open, Rybakina stated her intention to focus on taking it one match at a time in Miami, as it will be a tough journey ahead. She also expressed her respect for Iga Swiatek, who successfully navigated the same journey in 2022.
"Well, I will try to focus just on every match, because I think that it's really tough. I know Iga did this. Big respect, because I think it's still kind of long trip to Miami. It's completely different conditions," she said in the post-match press conference.
The Kazakh also commented on the difference in conditions between Indian Wells and Miami and hoped to adapt quickly to the changing conditions.
"It depends. I know it can be very windy there, very humid. For sure it's something to adapt. Yeah, I will see how it's gonna go, and hopefully I can adapt quickly," she added.
Elena Rybakina will take on the winner of the match between Anna Kalinskaya and Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva in her opening match at the 2023 Miami Open, following a bye in the first round.