World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in a blockbuster Miami Open semi-final on Thursday, setting up a rematch of their Indian Wells final.
Sabalenka defeated American Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 6-4 to improve her 2024 record to 21-1. She now leads Rybakina 9-7 in career meetings and seeks the 'Sunshine Double'-winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year.
"It's definitely going to be a battle," Sabalenka said. "We push each other to the limit and always bring the best tennis."
Rybakina booked her spot with a gritty 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback win over Jessica Pegula-the fifth straight victory over the American this season. She credited tactical adjustments, including more net approaches, for turning the match around.
"I was rushing and frustrated early, but I adapted," Rybakina said.
In the other semi-final, American Coco Gauff meets Czech Karolina Muchova.