Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has advanced to the final of the Miami Open after narrowly defeating Victoria Azarenka.

Elena Rybakina’s victory over Victoria Azarenka in the Miami Open was truly remarkable. It was a topsy-turvy encounter where Rybakina showed immense resilience and determination to secure her spot in the final for the second consecutive year. Despite squandering her first five break-point opportunities in the opening set, Rybakina’s unwavering focus and astonishing power eventually propelled her to clinch the set with a hold to love, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, exhibited her own tenacity by bouncing back in the second set with a flawless display, limiting Rybakina to a mere five points and breaking her serve three times. This exceptional performance from Azarenka forced a decider, where the momentum shifted back and forth between the two formidable players.

The third set saw Rybakina making a strong comeback, showcasing improved movement and seizing the crucial break in the fifth game. However, the match took another dramatic turn as Azarenka fought back with determination, securing a break to level the score at 5-5. In a tense moment, Rybakina held her serve to force a tiebreak, where she demonstrated composure and skill to claim victory.

Elena Rybakina’s stellar performance in the Miami Open adds to her impressive record this season, where she has already notched title wins in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. As she advances to the final, Rybakina will undoubtedly bring her unwavering determination and formidable skills to the court, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown with either Ekaterina Alexandrova or Danielle Collins.

The path to the final has been a testament to Rybakina’s exceptional abilities and mental resilience, and fans can anticipate an electrifying final as she vies for yet another prestigious title.