Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to add another chapter to their growing rivalry when they clash in the Miami Open semifinal. Ahead of the contest, both players reflected on the matchup, with Sabalenka expressing excitement while Rybakina outlined her game plan.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina Discuss Their Rivalry Ahead of the Miami Open Semifinal
After cruising through all her matches in straight sets, Rybakina advanced to the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, where she took on Jessica Pegula. The grueling three-set battle exposed a few lapses in the Kazakh’s game, including 12 unforced errors in the opening set and a couple of missed routine overheads in the second. Despite those setbacks, Rybakina dug deep to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in 2 hours and 15 minutes, booking yet another semifinal appearance this season.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka has enjoyed a relatively smoother path to the semifinals, as she hasn’t dropped a set in her campaign. The world No. 1 did face a stern test from home favorite Hailey Baptiste, but she found decisive breaks at key moments in both sets to secure a 6-4, 6-4 win in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Their quarterfinal victories set up another chapter in the intensifying rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina, with the Miami clash marking their 17th meeting. The two have faced each other frequently in recent months, often at the business end of tournaments, including the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, the 2026 Australian Open, and last year’s WTA Finals, underlining the high-stakes nature of their rivalry.
Following her win over Pegula, Rybakina was asked to reflect on their rivalry, particularly in light of her improved consistency in recent months. Rybakina said she is still building consistency this season and values the challenge of facing Sabalenka. She further explained her approach toward the contest.
“I’m just on the path of this consistency. This season is not even half way yet and it’s great to play against Aryna. Always pushing each other as I say and you can see what you need to improve so, it’s going to be another challenge where I will need to serve well and take care of my game knowing that on the other side she can hit a lot of good shots also winners, good serves,” she said in her post-match press conference.
She concluded by saying, “I will try to focus on myself more. Try to stay somehow fresh for the match and we’ll see again what’s going to happen.”
Elena on rivalry with Aryna 👀
They meet again Thursday 8:30PM ET 🍿 pic.twitter.com/k4hR8QSs9O
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 26, 2026
Meanwhile, Sabalenka appeared upbeat about her upcoming clash with the world No. 2 when asked by Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. The Belarusian loves the rivalry because the battles against the Kazakh continue to push her to elevate her game.
MORE: Elena Rybakina Says ‘Tough’ Aryna Sabalenka Rivalry Forces Her To Improve Weaknesses
“I love it! I love it so much! Because, when someone push you to the limit, this is the moment where you grow, when you become a better player and where you actually test your level, your strength. I absolutely love it. And we’ve been playing a lot of matches recently actually. All of them have been a battle, all of them have been a show and I am super excited facing her and I just cannot wait to step on the court tomorrow,” she said.
Sabalenka enters the clash with momentum on her side, holding a narrow 9-7 edge over Rybakina and having come out on top in their most recent meeting at Indian Wells. Her recent success, coupled with a 61% win chance from PFSN’s simulator, makes Sabalenka a favorite.
