Elena Rybakina’s scintillating form in 2026 continues, as she has reached the Miami Open semi-finals.
However, it took everything she had to win last night against Jessica Pegula, who put up an incredible fight.
She was desperately unlucky not to have won, having actually claimed more points than the world number two during the match.
And, it’s indicative of the American’s quality that Elena Rybakina`, usually so calm and collected, boiled over mid-way through the clash, unleashing her frustration on coach Stefano Vukov.
Elena Rybakina argues with Stefano Vukov during her win over Jessica Pegula
Rybakina and Vukov have endured a rather turbulent past, with the coach having actually been banned in 2025 by the WTA for his ‘abusive conduct’ towards the player.
However, having successfully appealed the decision later that same year, he returned and has since helped guide her to some of the biggest triumphs of her career.
Who wins more Grand Slams in their career – Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka?
The Kazakhstan superstar won the WTA Finals and the Australian Open, and reached the final in Indian Wells. She is expected to also reach the final here in Miami.
That is, if they can ensure their disagreements do not get in the way, having had a very public argument mid-way through the win over Pegula.
Vukov, issuing Rybakina advice right before her opponent was due to serve for the first set, insisted: “Elena, grind tennis. Grind. Full character. Fully grind. Come on, hit the ball.”
She returned, walking away from her box: “You see, it doesn’t work. What are you talking about?!”
That being said, it was all smiles after the match, as Rybakina revealed she is making a change to her game that Aryna Sabalenka also has recently.
Elena Rybakina faces Aryna Sabalenka again in 2026
With how the seedings have worked, Rybakina went into the Miami Open as the third seed, but is now the world number one.
So, frustratingly for the spectacle of the event, she has now been forced to face Aryna Sabalenka one round earlier than many would have expected, especially after their last few meetings.
After all, these two titans of the sport have shared the biggest stages over the last few months and directly competed for the biggest honours.
Rybakina won the WTA Finals and Australian Open, as mentioned earlier, but it was the Belarusian who won Indian Wells.
Is Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina the best rivalry in women’s tennis right now?
If not, who is?
Now, it’s expected that whoever comes out on top from this much-anticipated semi-final will win the Miami Open too.
They are the two best players in the world and are both in outstanding form.
Sabalenka narrowly leads their head-to-head with nine wins and seven losses.
