Elena Rybakina shares her honest thoughts about facing Aryna Sabalenka again in Miami

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Rybakina fights back to beat Pegula and sets up Sabalenka rematch

Elena Rybakina’s impressive run of form continued at the Miami Open, as she fought back from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.

The match didn’t start well for Rybakina, who dropped the opening set and looked off her game early on.

Pegula had chances to take control in the second set, holding several break points, but couldn’t convert any of them.

Rybakina made her pay for those missed opportunities, rallying to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 and extend her head-to-head dominance over Pegula.

The Kazakh is now the first player on tour to beat Pegula five times in a row.

Looking ahead to her semi-final against Aryna Sabalenka – their third meeting this season – Rybakina was asked if she was motivated by revenge following her recent loss in Indian Wells.

Elena Rybakina looks ahead to showdown with Aryna Sabalenka

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Rybakina also spoke about why she enjoys playing against Sabalenka during her post-match press conference.

The world number two said: “I’m just on the path of this consistency. For now, this year has been good but I still feel like the season is not even half way yet and it’s great to play against Aryna.

“We are always pushing each other in a way that you can see what you need to improve. “If she wins it’s going to be another challenge where I need to serve well and really take care of my game knowing that on the other side she can hit a lot of good shots. Winners and good serves. “I will try to focus on myself more. Somehow stay fresh for this match again.”