World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina booked a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Miami Open on Wednesday, setting up a rematch of their recent Grand Slam showdown.
Defending champion Sabalenka secured her spot with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over American Hailey Baptiste, ranked 45th in the world.
Rybakina, the world No. 2, battled past fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last four.
The two will meet on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, with a place in the final at stake.
Rybakina edged Sabalenka in a thrilling Australian Open final in January, marking the Belarusian’s only defeat of 2026 so far. However, Sabalenka avenged that loss by beating Rybakina in the Indian Wells Open final earlier this month.
“We’ve been playing a lot of matches recently, and all of them have been a battle,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super-excited facing her.”
Sabalenka is now two wins away from completing the prestigious “Sunshine Double”, winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season.
Against Baptiste, Sabalenka faced early resistance, with the American failing to convert three break points in the opening games. The top seed eventually broke at a crucial moment to take the first set.
In the second, Sabalenka grabbed an early break, but Baptiste fought back to level at 4-4. However, the American faltered while serving to stay in the match, opening with three consecutive double faults, allowing Sabalenka to seal victory with a powerful return.
“She really pushed me,” Sabalenka said. “The rhythm and heaviness of her shots were incredible. I’m happy I handled the pressure.”
Rybakina, meanwhile, recovered from a slow start against Pegula, who raced to a 4-0 lead and claimed the opening set in 35 minutes. The Kazakh regrouped, finding her rhythm to force a decider and taking control with an early break in the third set.
“I was a bit rushed and frustrated early on, but I’m happy I bounced back,” Rybakina said after securing her fifth straight win over Pegula.
Fils stuns Paul in men’s draw
In the men’s competition, France’s Arthur Fils delivered a dramatic comeback to defeat American Tommy Paul 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6).
Fils saved four match points in the final-set tiebreak, rallying from 6-2 down to seal victory after nearly three hours.
“It was a dogfight, and I never back down,” said the 21-year-old, who reached his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.
He will face Czech player Jiri Lehecka, who defeated Spain’s Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7/1), 7-5 to advance.
AFP
