Timely breaks lift Sabalenka past Baptiste as Rybakina rematch looms in Miami semis

Aryna Sabalenka had her hands full with Hailey Baptiste in their quarterfinal Wednesday night in Miami, but she found the timely breaks she needed to close out the first set and again in the second to seal a resounding 6-4, 6-4 victory in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Miami: Scores | Draws | Order of play

The win sends her to the semifinals in the 305 for the second straight year and sets up a 17th career meeting with Elena Rybakina at the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz level.

Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 9-7 and won their most recent encounter in the Indian Wells final two weeks ago, saving a match point before lifting the trophy and beginning her pursuit of the Sunshine Double.

But before she could look ahead, the World No. 1 had to get through her first meeting with Baptiste, and the American was more than up to the challenge, pushing Sabalenka throughout.

More to come…