Rybakina Advances to Miami Open Semifinals
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon singles champion, secured a place in the Miami Open semi-finals by defeating Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory marked Rybakina's fifth consecutive win over Pegula.
Rybakina, who also holds the Australian Open title, was the runner-up in Miami in both 2023 and 2024. Her opponent, American Jessica Pegula, was the finalist in last year's tournament.
Pegula, aged 32, started strongly by taking a 4-0 lead in the first set. However, Rybakina recovered, delivering 15 aces and saving eight out of ten break points to secure the win.
Rybakina will next face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka or unseeded American Hailey Baptiste in the semi-finals. This potential match-up with Sabalenka would be a rematch of the Australian Open final.
"It's always very difficult playing Jessica," said Rybakina, 26.
"She started playing well, and I was rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set."
Other Semifinalists and Rankings Update
The other women's semi-final on Thursday will feature American fourth seed Coco Gauff against Czech player Karolina Muchova. Should Gauff reach the final, she will surpass former world number one Iga Swiatek to claim the third spot in the WTA rankings next week.
Men's Draw Update
In the men's competition, Jiri Lehecka defeated unseeded Spaniard Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7-1), 7-5 to advance to the semi-finals. The Czech 21st seed will face either Tommy Paul or Arthur Fils for a place in the final.
For live scores, results, and order of play, follow the ongoing coverage. Stay updated with tennis news delivered directly to your phone.
