Elena Rybakina Advances Against Marta Kostyuk at Indian Wells

By Ananya Rao / 10.03.2026

Rybakina Dominates Kostyuk

“Elena Rybakina leads 3-1, though she won their latest meeting in the quarterfinal of 2025 Montreal via retirement,” reported FlashScore following Rybakina’s latest match. The World No. 3 and reigning Australian Open champion showcased her prowess once again as she faced World No. 28, Marta Kostyuk, at the Indian Wells tournament.

In a match that lasted about an hour and a half, Rybakina secured a convincing victory with a score of 4-6, 4-6. This win further solidifies her dominance in their head-to-head record, where she now leads 3-1.

Rybakina, who is seeded third in the tournament, has been in exceptional form this year, boasting a 12-3 record in 2026. Her recent triumph at the Australian Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka, has set high expectations for her performance in California.

Kostyuk, seeded 28th, entered the match after a strong showing in the opening round, where she defeated Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-2. Despite her efforts, she struggled to maintain momentum against Rybakina.

Throughout the match, Rybakina’s powerful serve and strategic play kept Kostyuk on the defensive. Kostyuk managed to earn over $61,000 in prize money for reaching the main draw, but her best result at Indian Wells remains her semifinal appearance two years ago.

The tournament in California will continue until March 15, and Rybakina’s victory positions her favorably as she aims to advance further. With her current form, she is a strong contender to reclaim the title.

As the competition heats up, fans will be watching closely to see how Rybakina’s journey unfolds in the coming rounds. The stakes are high, and her performance thus far suggests she is ready to face any challenge ahead.