Aryna Sabalenka Advances to Second Consecutive Miami SF, Prepares for Rybakina Rematch
Synopsis
In a thrilling match, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Hailey Baptiste to reach the Miami Open semifinals for the second straight year. Her next challenge: a rematch against Elena Rybakina, whom she recently faced in the Indian Wells final.
Key Takeaways
Aryna Sabalenka wins against Hailey Baptiste to reach the semifinals.
Sabalenka's victory score: 6-4, 6-4 .
Next opponent: Elena Rybakina in a rematch.
Rybakina also advanced after defeating Jessica Pegula .
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head series 9-7 .
Miami, March 26 (NationPress) Aryna Sabalenka achieved a decisive victory with a score of 6-4, 6-4 against Hailey Baptiste, securing her spot in the Miami Open semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Baptiste showcased her skills, matching Sabalenka's intensity, but the World No. 1 held onto her characteristic assertiveness, gradually steering the match in her favor. She successfully saved three break points in the first set, placing Baptiste in challenging situations.
Despite maintaining a high level of play, Baptiste, who is 24 years old, faltered at a crucial moment, committing a poorly timed double fault that allowed Sabalenka to clinch the first set.
In the second set, after falling behind a break, Baptiste displayed resilience by breaking back to level at 4-4. However, after Sabalenka held serve for 5-4, the American faltered again, accruing three double faults that handed Sabalenka her first match point. A moment later, Sabalenka struck a stunning crosscourt forehand winner to seal her victory, as reported by WTA.
This triumph propels Sabalenka into the Miami semifinals for the second year in a row and sets the stage for a 17th career clash with Elena Rybakina on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head encounters 9-7, having triumphed in their latest match at the Indian Wells final just two weeks ago, where she saved a match point before claiming the trophy and embarking on her quest for the Sunshine Double.
Earlier in the day, No. 3 seed Rybakina continued her impressive performance against No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula, reaching her third Miami Open semifinal. She overcame a slow start to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes.
World No. 2 Rybakina has now reached her second semifinal in 2026, following her victory at the Australian Open in January.
Rybakina boasts a flawless 2-0 record in Miami semifinals, having previously defeated Pegula in 2023 and Victoria Azarenka in 2024; however, she lost in the finals both times, to Petra Kvitova in 2023 and Danielle Collins in 2024.
Point of View
It's clear that Aryna Sabalenka continues to demonstrate her prowess on the court, advancing once again to the Miami Open semifinals. Her performance against Baptiste was impressive, setting the stage for an exciting rematch against Rybakina. Fans of women's tennis should be eager to witness this clash of titans.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Aryna Sabalenka defeat to reach the semifinals?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Hailey Baptiste with a score of 6-4, 6-4.
What is the significance of Sabalenka's victory?
This victory marks Sabalenka's second consecutive appearance in the Miami Open semifinals.
Who will Sabalenka face in the semifinals?
Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals, a rematch of their recent Indian Wells final.
What was Rybakina's performance in her last match?
Elena Rybakina defeated Jessica Pegula in a tough match, advancing to her third Miami Open semifinal.
What is the head-to-head record between Sabalenka and Rybakina?
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head encounters 9-7.
