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.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
