Home MIAMI OPEN TENNIS Sabalenka Cruises Past Baptiste into Miami Semi-Finals

Sabalenka Cruises Past Baptiste into Miami Semi-Finals

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Sabalenka beats Baptiste to reach Miami Open semi-finals 

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Elena Rybakina on Wednesday booked a blockbuster semi-final at the Miami Open.


“She started playing well, and I was a bit rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back...”


World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to face second-ranked Elena Rybakina in a thrilling semi-final at the Miami Open. Sabalenka, the defending champion, secured her spot with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Hailey Baptiste, while Rybakina came from behind to beat Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.


This matchup promises to be a battle, with Sabalenka and Rybakina having clashed recently in the Australian Open final, where Rybakina took the win. Sabalenka, however, avenged that loss with a win in the Indian Wells final earlier this month.




They'll be back in action Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium, taking on their opponents in the ATP and WTA finals.


Rybakina handed Sabalenka her only 2026 defeat so far in the Australian Open final, but Sabalenka turned the tables with a win in the Indian Wells final this month.




“We've been playing a lot of matches, recently actually, and all of them have been a battle, all of them been a show,” Sabalenka told the Tennis Channel. “I'm super-excited facing her.”




Baptiste had chances to get ahead, but Sabalenka's experience shone through as she navigated the early pressure.


.Sabalenka finally got the break she needed when Baptiste double-faulted on set point. The world number one took control, but Baptiste fought back to level the game.


Sabalenka gained an early break in the second set, but Baptiste refused to back down and broke back to level at 4-4. The American held serve confidently, but a critical moment came when she served at 4-5 - and opened with three straight double faults.


Sabalenka seized the opportunity, converting her second match point with a powerful return winner.


Familiar Foes Clash in Miami Semi-Finals

“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's on a roll, and she's set to take on Sabalenka in the semi-finals.


The Kazakhstan star, reigning Australian Open champion, came from behind to beat Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, securing her fifth straight win over the American. Rybakina's form is flying, and she's looking strong heading into the semi-finals.




Her victories over Pegula include wins at the Australian Open semi-finals, Indian Wells quarter-finals, and last year's WTA Finals semi-finals - all en route to titles.


“It's always very difficult matches with Jessica,” said Rybakina, who is seeded third despite rising to No. 2 in the world for the first time this week.


"She started playing well, and I was a bit rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set.”


Pegula stormed out to a 4-0 lead, breaking Rybakina twice in the opening set.


Rybakina struggled, making crucial errors, and Pegula capitalized, taking the first set 6-2 in just 35 minutes


Rybakina dropped three overhead smashes in the fifth game of the second set, but she regrouped to hold serve and break Pegula when she hit a forehand long, taking a 4-2 lead.


The Kazakh star broke Pegula early in the third set and maintained her momentum, securing the 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win after two hours and 15 minutes.




Fils Edges Paul in thriller

28th-seeded Arthur Fils of France saved four match points on the way 1to a 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(6) victory over 22nd-seeded American Tommy Paul. Fils trailed 6-2 in the third-set tiebreaker, saving four straight match points before prevailing in two hours and 49 minutes.


“It was a dog fight and I never back down from a fight,” Fils said. “Even if I lose, it's OK, I just fought the best that I could.




“That's the best result I've had in my life so far,” the 21-year-old added.


He reached the semi-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time, where he'll face 21st-seeded Czech Jiri Lehecka.




Fils beat Lehecka in the quarter-finals in Doha last month.


Lehecka ended the dream run of qualifier Martin Landaluce, beating the 151st-ranked Spaniard 7-6(1), 7-5







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