Sabalenka reaches Miami Open semifinals

March 26, 2026 / 6:50 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals of the Miami Open after defeating American Hayley Baptiste in the quarterfinals.

Semifinal showdown with Rybakina

Sabalenka will face Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina, ranked second in the world, in a rematch of their Australian Open final in January, where Rybakina handed Sabalenka her only loss of 2026.

Quarterfinal victories

Sabalenka secured her win over Baptiste with a 6-4, 6-4 scoreline, while Rybakina overcame American Jessica Pegula, ranked fifth, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Rivalry history

The two stars have met 16 times, with Sabalenka winning nine matches and Rybakina seven, including the WTA Finals final at the end of last season. Sabalenka also defeated Rybakina earlier this month in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 final.

Quest for “double sunshine”

With two wins away from the Miami title, Sabalenka is on track to achieve a “double sunshine,” winning both the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 tournaments.