Elena RYBAKINA survives marathon match, overcomes Maria SAKKARI and secures Miami Open semifinal berth
WTA
Elena
Rybakina (No. 4) advances to the Miami Open semi-finals after beating Maria
Sakkari (No. 9) 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4. Although there were long spells of
inconsistency from both players, they ended up putting on a show in the final
set in a match that was decided after almost three hours.
The Kazakh
was in physical discomfort from the first set and although her level was not
the best, it was not an impediment to take an important victory and reach the
semifinals of the Miami Open.
Rybakina
had just 59% of first serve, below what she normally achieves, but maintained
her usual effectiveness winning 88% of them and 58% with the second service. On
the other side Sakkari was very irregular with her first serve with just 44%,
although she won 87% of them and 42% with the second serve. Despite a good
start from both sides, as the games went by the level dropped with constant
unforced errors from both sides.
2022
Wimbledon champion took the first break but Sakkari immediately got it back.
With the score 6-5 in favour of Rybakina everything indicated that the set
would go to a tie-break, but the Greek did not have a good service game and
finally the world No. 4 took the set 7-5.
Despite the
advantage in the second set Rybakina was frustrated as she was making constant
unforced errors. At the start of the second set both were erratic on serve and
the first three games were two breaks for Sakkari and one for Rybakina. The
Greek managed to hold the advantage and was 4-2 up with two break chances.
However,
the errors took their toll and without Rybakina demanding too much she won
three consecutive games and then with Sakkari's serve she had two match points
that she could not finish. The set went to the tie-break, where Sakkari was
more accurate to take the set 7-6(4).
The third
set had both players defending their serve well in the first games until 3-3
when Rybakina got a crucial break. Further ahead the Kazakh again wasted a
couple of match points on her opponent's serve, but finally with her serve she
held on for a hard-fought 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4 victory.
In the
semi-finals she will face Victoria Azarenka (No. 27) who has had an excellent
week and is in the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 for the 25th time and first time
since 2020 Indian Wells (defeat in the final against Paula Badosa). The former
world No. 1 is coming off a 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-3 win over Yulia Putintseva.
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.
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