Sabalenka And Rybakina March Into Miami Last Four
World number one Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Elena Rybakina have set up a high-profile semi-final clash at the Miami Open.
Sabalenka beat American Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday. Earlier, Rybakina came from a set down to defeat fifth seed Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Their wins mean the two top-ranked stars will now battle for a place in the final.
Sabalenka Survives Baptiste Test
Sabalenka had to work hard against Baptiste, who was playing in her first WTA 1000 quarter-final.
The American pushed the top seed with her heavy hitting and aggressive returning. However, Sabalenka stayed composed in key moments and closed out the match in straight sets. She sealed victory after Baptiste opened the final game with three straight double faults.
After the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent and admitted the contest was far from easy.
“She really pushed me,” Sabalenka said. “The rhythm, the heaviness of her shots is incredible. I’m super happy that I was able to hold the pressure and to get the win.”
Rybakina Rallies Past Pegula Again
Rybakina, meanwhile, had to recover after dropping the first set to Pegula.
The Kazakh raised her level after a slow start and eventually wore down the American with powerful serving and more consistent baseline play. She finished the match with 12 aces and extended her recent dominance over Pegula.
That victory marked Rybakina’s fifth straight win over Pegula and sent her into another big semi-final on hard court.
Another Chapter In A Growing Rivalry
The upcoming semi-final adds another major meeting to the Sabalenka-Rybakina rivalry.
Rybakina beat Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, handing the Belarusian her only defeat of the 2026 season. However, Sabalenka responded by defeating Rybakina in the Indian Wells final earlier this month. Sabalenka now leads their overall head-to-head 9-7.
Sabalenka said she is expecting another close battle.
“We’ve been playing a lot of matches recently, and all of them have been a battle,” she said. “I’m super-excited facing her.”
Sunshine Double Still In Sight
Sabalenka now sits two wins away from completing the Sunshine Double after already winning Indian Wells this month.
If she beats Rybakina, she will move one step closer to lifting another WTA 1000 title and strengthening her grip on the top spot in women’s tennis. Meanwhile, Rybakina will aim to halt that run and book her own place in the Miami Open final.
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