WTA Miami Open: Rybakina Overcomes Pegula in Three Sets, Advances to Semifinals Against Sabalenka

On March 25, 2026, the women's singles quarterfinals of the WTA1000 Miami Open commenced in the upper half of the draw. Tournament third seed and two-time runner-up Elena Rybakina rallied from a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over fifth seed Jessica Pegula, marking her third career appearance in the semifinals of this event.

Elena Rybakina

Rybakina first faced local standout Pegula in the day session. The two had previously met at both the Australian Open and Indian Wells tournaments this season, with the newly crowned world No. 2 prevailing in both encounters. In this match, Pegula, who had suffered four consecutive losses to Rybakina prior, came prepared. She dominated the first set with an 85% first-serve winning rate, securing two breaks to take it 6-2. In the second set, Rybakina saved four break points before finally achieving her first break of the match, maintaining her advantage to level the score at 6-3. In the decisive third set, Rybakina seized control after converting a break in the opening game, ultimately closing out the match 6-4.

This victory marks Rybakina's 99th win in WTA1000 events throughout her career. She finished as runner-up at this tournament in both 2023 and 2024. "I think every game was crucial, and of course I made quite a few unforced errors. In the first set, I played somewhat impatiently, and the errors were significant," Rybakina stated at the press conference. "Under these match conditions, Jessica also performed exceptionally well; her shots were fast and stayed low. Overall, I'm pleased that I found a way to respond."

In the semifinals, Rybakina will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. This will be their 17th meeting. Although Rybakina lost to her opponent in the previous tournament, she has experience consecutively defeating Sabalenka in major tournament finals. This renewed clash between the two players promises to be a "fiery showdown." The match is scheduled as the final event on center court at 8:30 AM Beijing time tomorrow.

（Text and editing: Dato, Image: Visual China）