"The ones to beat right now": Pegula under no illusion that Rybakina and Sabalenka are players to watch on WTA Tour after marathon Potapova win

World No.3 Jessica Pegula was forced to save two match points in her comeback-from-behind win over Anastasia Potapova at the Miami Open, but the American remains adamant that two other players are the ones to beat right now.

Pegula admitted she was exhausted in the final set of her 4-6 6-3 7-6 (2) victory, but stated she would need to recover quickly to take down two potential opponents, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, whom she faces in the semifinal.

“I’m just going to have to go out there and compete and play my game," said the 29-year old. "I mean, she’s been playing some great tennis. I feel like her and Sabalenka are the ones to beat right now, so it’s going to be a great test and I think a deserved semi for a tournament like this.”

Pegula defeated Rybakina in the round of 32 last year in Miami, but that was before the Kazakh star had won her maiden Grand Slam at Wimbledon.