Sabalenka Dominates Rybakina, Advances to Second Consecutive Miami Final
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-3 in 1 hour and 19 minutes on Thursday night. Sabalenka Dominates Rybakina as she moved one match from completing the Sunshine Double.
Match summary
Sabalenka broke early to lead 3-1 in the opening set. She sealed the first set with a forehand winner after another timely break.
Rybakina’s level slipped in the second set. Sabalenka raced to a 4-0 lead and closed the match with another forehand finish.
Key statistics
The World No. 1 hit nine aces and won 83% of first-serve points. She created eight break-point chances and converted four.
The victory was Sabalenka’s 10th against Rybakina in 17 WTA meetings. It also marked her 21st win of the season, the tour lead.
Season milestones
Sabalenka reached her second straight Miami final. She is the first player to make consecutive Miami finals since Rybakina did so in 2023 and 2024.
As World No. 1, she is the first to reach back-to-back Miami finals since Serena Williams between 2013 and 2015. She is also the fourth player this century to reach the final at her first four WTA events of a season, joining Martina Hingis, Serena Williams, and Victoria Azarenka.
What comes next
Sabalenka will face Coco Gauff in the Miami final. Their head-to-head is tied at six wins each.
A victory would give Sabalenka her third title of the season. She won in Brisbane and Indian Wells earlier this year, and would complete the Sunshine Double if she prevails. Filmogaz.com will follow the final closely.
Player reactions
Sabalenka praised Rybakina as an outstanding opponent who demands top tennis. She said the match tested her physically and mentally.
Sabalenka described the upcoming final with Gauff as intense and emotional. She said she expects long rallies, high aggression, and tough battles.
