World number one Aryna Sabalenka produced a composed display to defeat Elena Rybakina 6–4, 6–3 and reach the final of the Miami Open, where she will meet Coco Gauff.
The defending champion capitalised on a series of unforced errors from Rybakina to take control of the opening set before racing into a 4–0 lead in the second. Although the world number two mounted a brief comeback, Sabalenka maintained her composure to seal a straight-sets victory.
“I really enjoy our rivalry, she’s an incredible player,” Sabalenka said. “I think I did everything right. She played well, but I was able to put her under constant pressure.”
The Belarusian is now one win away from completing the ‘Sunshine Double’, having already claimed the title at Indian Wells earlier this month — a feat achieved by only a handful of players in the modern era.
Earlier in the day, Gauff delivered a commanding performance to dismantle Karolina Muchova 6–1, 6–1 and secure her place in a sixth WTA 1000 final.
Despite dropping the opening game, the American quickly took control, breaking back immediately before winning the next five games to take the first set. Muchova, who had arrived in strong form after her title run in Doha, struggled with consistency as Gauff broke three more times in the second set to complete a one-sided victory.
The final, scheduled for 29 March, will mark the 13th meeting between Sabalenka and Gauff, with their head-to-head record evenly poised at 6–6. Gauff triumphed in their French Open final last year, while Sabalenka claimed victory in their most recent encounter at the WTA Finals.
With both players in strong form, the Miami final promises to be a closely contested battle between two of the leading figures in the women’s game.
