Aryna Sabalenka secured a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win against Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open semifinal, positioning herself one step closer to the prestigious Sunshine Double. This victory marked Sabalenka’s 10th win in 17 WTA Tour appearances, propelling her to a consecutive final in Miami. Notably, she is the first player since Rybakina in 2023 and 2024 to reach back-to-back Miami Open finals and the first World No. 1 to achieve this feat since Serena Williams from 2013 to 2015.
In a pivotal moment during the opening set at 4-5, Sabalenka displayed her champion prowess by breaking Rybakina with a skillful cross-court backhand followed by a powerful overhead shot. The second set saw Sabalenka dominate with a 4-0 lead early on, eventually closing it out flawlessly at love with a T-serve and a strong cross-court forehand, celebrating with her signature “Tiger” nickname.
Sabalenka’s exceptional performance has positioned her as the fourth player in the 21st century to reach the final in her first four WTA events of a season, joining the ranks of Martina Hingis (2001), Serena Williams (2003), and Victoria Azarenka (2012). She is now set to face another formidable opponent, Coco Gauff, in the Miami Open final after Gauff’s remarkable 6-1, 6-1 victory over Karolina Muchova, securing her spot in her first-ever Miami Open final.
To secure a consecutive title and achieve the elusive Sunshine Double, last accomplished by Iga Swiatek in 2022, Sabalenka will aim to replicate her successful strategies against Rybakina. Having faced Gauff 12 times, with their most recent encounters in the Madrid final, Roland Garros final, and WTA Finals Riyadh group stage all in 2025, Sabalenka and Gauff stand at an even six wins each.
