Elena Rybakina (No. 4) returned to the Miami Open with a victory over Clara Tauson (No. 91) by 3-6, 7-5, 6-4. The Kazakhstani player revisited the tournament where she reached the final last year but was defeated by the 2-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova.
This time around, Rybakina faced some physical challenges as she had to withdraw before starting her campaign in Indian Wells (where she was defending her title) and returned to her first match since the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarterfinals, a tournament from which she withdrew before entering the quarterfinal stage.
In the first set, Rybakina struggled with her serve, with only a 50% first serve percentage, winning 60% of them and just 27% with her second serve. Although the Kazakhstani initially took the lead in points, she was imprecise and allowed the Danish player to secure the first break in the fifth game. However, Tauson's advantage was short-lived as she immediately lost her serve.
Nevertheless, Tauson kept her composure and was superior in playing short points. The world No. 91 won 57% of the return points and secured two consecutive breaks to take the first set 6-3.
Rybakina didn't appear comfortable on the court but entered the second set much more precise. The former Wimbledon champion earned a break early in the second game and maintained the lead without either player threatening the other's service for most of the set.
'The Ice Queen' was up 5-3 and had the service in her favor to claim the set but squandered two set points before Tauson leveled the set at 5-5. Despite missing her chances, the world No. 4 won the last eight consecutive points and closed out the set 7-5 to force a decider.
The third set maintained the dynamic of short points, but this time Rybakina made some approaches to the net and sought variety in her groundstrokes. After a couple of breaks on each side, Rybakina was more effective in the moment of greatest pressure, as she saved two break points and then secured a break on her first opportunity.
With the advantage in her hands, Rybakina had two match points on Stearns' serve but had to wait until her own service game to seal the victory by 3-6, 7-5, 6-4. In the third round, she will face the local Taylor Townsend (No. 72), who came through the qualifiers and surprised the 25th seed Elise Mertens with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory.
Rybakina d. Tauson 3-6 7-5 6-4 in Miami Elena missing the chance to defend her Indian Wells title was heartbreaking. She’s had truly terrible luck with her health. But when healthy, her tennis has been outstanding. ✅18-3 in 2024 Effortless power is back in town. 🇰🇿🩵🇰🇿
