Elena Rybakina showcased her resilience and determination at the Miami Open 2024, securing a hard-fought victory over Maria Sakkari in a gripping quarterfinal clash. The Kazakhstani tennis star booked her spot in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event for the second consecutive year after an intense battle that lasted nearly three hours.
The match unfolded with both Rybakina and Sakkari fiercely contesting each point, resulting in a tightly contested opening set. Despite trading breaks of serve, Rybakina managed to seize a crucial break in the 12th game, clinching the set and gaining momentum.
The second set witnessed a chaotic start as neither player could hold their serve in the initial games. Despite Rybakina’s efforts to regain control with a late break, Sakkari managed to force a tiebreaker and ultimately claimed the set.
In the decisive third set, Rybakina capitalized on a solitary break of Sakkari’s serve, securing a hard-earned 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 victory. Following the grueling encounter, Rybakina expressed her exhaustion but also her elation at the hard-fought win.
“I have no words because I’m so tired but really happy with the win. It was such a tough battle,” Rybakina shared during her on-court interview at Miami Gardens. “We played before and it was the same, really happy that I managed to get the win, got a bit lucky with new balls, it was easier to serve it out but now I need to recover.”
Elena Rybakina after beating Maria Sakkari to reach Miami SF:
“I have no words because I’m so tired. Really happy with the win. It was such a tough battle. We played before and it was the same. I’m happy I managed to win. Got a bit lucky with new balls, it was easier to serve it… pic.twitter.com/rVzS3bkZ0K
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 27, 2024
Rybakina’s ability to maintain her composure and resilience under pressure proved instrumental in securing her semifinal berth, highlighting her prowess on the tennis court. As she looks ahead to the next stage of the tournament, Rybakina remains focused on recovery and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.
Maria Sakkari in 2024
LLWWLWWLLL At the moment ranked no.9, Maria played her last match on the 26th of March when she was overcome by world no.4 Elena Rybakina 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
Presently, during this year the Greek has managed to achieve a 12-6 record. Maria Sakkari’s best result of this season was reaching the final in Indian Wells.
Rybakina in Miami, ranking, and results in 2024
At the moment ranked no.4, Rybakina achieved a 21-3 win-loss record in 2024. Elena is participating in Miami where she defeated the world no.91 Clara Tauson 3-6 7-5 6-4, the world no.72 Taylor Townsend 6-3 6-73 6-4, the world no.18 Madison Keys 6-3 7-5 and the world no.9 Maria Sakkari 7-5 6-74 6-4.
Elena Rybakina will compete against the world no.32 Victoria Azarenka in the semifinal. Their actual record is 3-0 for Rybakina.
Elena conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi. The Kazakhstani reached the final in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open).
Rybakina won 7 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina clashed against each other 4 times. Their record is 3-1 for Rybakina. Before, the last time they played each other, Elena Rybakina won 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (Miami Open) on the 26th of March 2024.
In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.
Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina |
| Embed from Getty Images |
