Aryna Sabalenka came through a tough two set battle with Hailey Baptiste to secure her place in the Miami Open semi-final.
Just two breaks of serve proved the difference for Sabalenka as she continued her brilliant Sunshine Double run.
Sabalenka will lock horns with Rybakina again as the best two players in the world play each other for the third time this season.
After her latest victory in Miami, Sabalenka achieved a feat that was last set by Serena Williams 10 years ago.
Aryna Sabalenka emulates Serena Williams’ record in Miami
Per OptaAce, Sabalenka is the first player to reach four consecutive semi-finals at Indian Wells and Miami Open in 12 years.
The last player to achieve the feat at the Sunshine Double was Williams, who notched up the record between 2014 and 2016.
Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek… who do you prefer? 🤔
In that time, Williams won two Miami Open titles, but she was less successful at Indian Wells. She reached the semi-final and final of Indian Wells in 2015 and 2016, the latter of which saw her lose to Victoria Azarenka.
Sabalenka’s run, meanwhile, has seen her lift both trophies. She won the 2024 Miami Open by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final.
She followed that up by defeating Elena Rybakina a year later to confirm the first Indian Wells title of her career.
Aryna Sabalenka’s incredible start to the season
While several WTA stars are faltering at the start of the season, Sabalenka has been an absolute powerhouse in 2026.
The star’s only loss came against Rybakina in the Australian Open final, but she’s been excellent throughout the year.
Is Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina the best rivalry in women’s tennis right now?
If not, who is?
Her 21-1 win-loss record for 2026 has already brought two WTA titles, at the Brisbane International and Indian Wells.
Just two matches away from another WTA title, Sabalenka’s run at the top of the rankings looks set to continue for yet another year.
Rybakina is over 2000 ranking points away from Sabalenka as the world number one, despite her strong form in 2026.
