TENNIS: Sabalenka to face Rybakina in blockbuster Miami Open semi-final

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set for a highly anticipated semifinal clash at the Miami Open on Thursday after both players advanced through their respective quarterfinal matches.

Sabalenka secured her spot in the last four with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 victory over American Hailey Baptiste on Wednesday. The Belarusian continues her dominant form this season and is now eyeing the prestigious “Sunshine Double,” having already captured the title at Indian Wells Open, where she defeated Rybakina in the final.

“It’s definitely going to be a battle,” Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. “It’s always a fight, always a challenge. We push each other to the limit and bring out the best tennis. These are the matches where I improve the most as a player.”

The defending Miami Open champion improved her remarkable record to 21-1 this season. She also holds a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings, leading Rybakina 9-7.

Earlier in the day, Rybakina booked her semifinal berth after rallying past American Jessica Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. The comeback victory marked her fifth consecutive win over Pegula, including earlier triumphs this season at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

“It’s always very difficult matches with Jessica,” Rybakina said. “She started strong, and I felt a bit rushed and frustrated early on, but I’m happy I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set. I had to adapt, come to the net more, and change my approach.”

Rybakina’s win sends her into the Miami Open semifinals for the third time as she looks to continue her strong run in the tournament.

In the other semifinal, American Coco Gauff will face Karolina Muchova for a place in the final of the WTA 1000 event. -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico and Rory Carroll in Long Beach; Editing by Pritha Sarkar and Edwina Gibbs/Reuters