Aryna Sabalenka recorded yet another hard-fought victory over Elena Rybakina last night, in what was the latest sparkling iteration of their ever-growing rivalry.
In what has swiftly become one of the most celebrated match-ups on the entire WTA Tour, many were shocked that they were forced to meet in the semi-finals of the Miami Open.
After all, their last three clashes have come in finals, with Rybakina winning the WTA Finals and the Australian Open, and Aryna Sabalenka most recently claiming the Indian Wells crown.
Speaking after her straight-sets victory, the Belarusian had nothing but kind words for her great rival and the quality of their battles.
However, attention had already turned to Coco Gauff, whom she will now face in the final.
Aryna Sabalenka’s instant reaction on facing Coco Gauff in the Miami Open final
Sabalenka, during her on-court interview, began by offering praise for Rybakina: “First of all, I’m really enjoying our rivalry.
“She’s an incredible player, always pushes me to the limit, and, you know, with her, you have to bring her best tennis, and that’s why I was able to pull out such great tennis today.
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“I think, I don’t know, I think I did everything right, and she played great, but I think I pushed her so much, and I’m proud of this win, and it’s always tough, always tough, physically, mentally, and I’m happy to get another win against her.”
Then asked about Gauff and what she expects from the American in the final, Sabalenka admitted: “A lot of rallies, a lot of emotions, a lot of aggression, a lot of fun.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a battle, and I’m super excited to play her in another final.”
This will be the 13th time that Gauff and Sabalenka have played one another, and the fourth time they have met in a final.
Coco Gauff can frustrate Aryna Sabalenka again
Despite Sabalenka arguably boasting far greater technical and physical assets than Gauff across the board, there’s something about this match-up that unsettles the world number one.
And, the 22-year-old should feel confident of frustrating Sabalenka again in Miami, backed by her home crowd.
In 2022, during the US Open final, the Belarusian unravelled under the weight of a crowd that was pulling completely against her.
Then, in last year’s Roland Garros final, Sabalenka could not deal with the unruly conditions, again losing from one set up.
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Sabalenka’s controversial comments after the French Open highlighted just how well Gauff seems to get under her skin, and it will take something similar to beat her this weekend.
However, with a serve that seems to be on the mend, and confidence returning too, there’s certainly reason for optimism beyond just hoping for another Sabalenka meltdown.
