Sabalenka Advances to Set Up Rematch with Rybakina at Miami Semis
World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to a blockbuster semifinal at the Miami Open by defeating American Hailey Baptiste in straight sets, setting up an immediate clash with second-ranked Elena Rybakina. This matchup marks another chapter between two of tennis's most dominant players and serves as a direct rematch following their decisive victory over each other earlier this year; Sabalenka secured her spot while also advancing past fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula to maintain momentum toward the tournament finals, where she aims for what is known in Miami Open history.
Key Points
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1World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Hailey Baptiste to advance past her in a straight-sets victory at the Miami Open.
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2Second-ranked Elena Rybakina secured her spot by defeating fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula, setting up their semifinal clash on Thursday evening.
Developments
Perspectives
World number one Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to add another chapter to their growing rivalry when they clash in a blockbuster semifinal at the Miami Open.
— [Mar 26, 04:15] Profootballnetwork"I cannot wait for this match," said world number one Aryna Sabalenka ahead of her matchup against Elena Rybakina. She expressed excitement about facing another top player in a repeat encounter that mirrors their previous Melbourne Grand Slam decider.
— [Mar 26, 04:15] Profootballnetwork"I have to be very careful with my serve," said world number two Elena Rybakina as she outlined her game plan for the Miami Open semifinal against Aryna Sabalenka. She emphasized that while they are both dominant players in women's tennis, this match will require specific tactical adjustments.
— [Mar 26, 04:15] Profootballnetwork"I am targeting my Sunshine Double," said defending champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka after advancing to the Miami Open semifinal against Elena Rybakina. She expressed determination as she prepares for this blockbuster matchup.
— [Mar 26, 04:15] Skysports"I am very excited about my next match," said world number one Aryna Sabalenka ahead of her clash with top-ranked Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open semifinal. She highlighted that this is a repeat encounter similar to their previous Melbourne Grand Slam decider.
— [Mar 26, 04:15] InquirerAryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina advanced past Hailey Baptiste (6-4 7th) and Jessica Pegula respectively at the Miami Open. The two players will meet on Thursday for a rematch of their Australian Open final, having previously faced each other in Melbourne earlier this year as well
Aryna Sabalenka (6-4, 6-Hailey Baptiste) advanced in straight sets at her home tournament while Elena Rybakina overcame a three-set grueling battle with Jessica Pegula to reach the Miami Open semifinals. The two players will meet for their seventeenth time as they reflect on an intensifying rivalry and discuss strategies ahead of this high-stakes contest, which is part of several recent major tournaments including 2026 BNP Paribas open
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina advanced to Thursday's Miami Open semifinals after winning their respective quarterfinal matches, setting up an all-top-two women players' clash for a spot in the final alongside Coco Gauff versus Karolina Muchova. The two rivals are scheduled to meet on court following Sabalenka's victory over Hailey Baptiste and Rybakina's comeback win against Jessica Pegula earlier that day.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and runner-up Elena Rybakina advanced to Thursday's semi-final at the Miami Open after defeating Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 6-4 and Jessica Pegula in three sets (2–6), respectively. The two players will face off for a spot in the final on Hard Rock Stadium grounds following their recent victories over each other this year.