Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina are scheduled to play for the third time in 2026 during the Miami Open. Their quarterfinal match is one of two determining the final slots in the semifinals. Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Hailey Baptiste in the other quarterfinal.
Rybakina’s Dominance Over Pegula
The Rybakina-Pegula match has become a frequent event. This will be their third meeting this year and fifth since September, including the Billie Jean King cup. Rybakina has won the last four matches against Pegula. These include the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Finals and the 2026 Australian Open, both of which Rybakina won.
Rybakina has not dropped a set in Miami. She has not conceded more than four games in any set. Rybakina has only been broken once on serve, saving six of seven break points.
Rybakina said she needs to serve well. She added that it’s her biggest weapon and she needs to be fresh and move well because Miami is a little bit faster than Indian Wells. She also noted the ball doesn’t bounce as much.
Pegula’s Perspective and Recent Form
Pegula has been playing as one of the top three players on tour, aside from Rybakina and Sabalenka. Before her quarterfinal defeat to Rybakina at Indian Wells, Pegula reached the semifinals in seven consecutive tournaments. This included her title win in Dubai in February.
Pegula is serving incredibly. She came into the tournament ranked fifth in aces. She has reached her fifth straight Miami quarterfinal.
Pegula acknowledged Rybakina is the player to beat right now. She said that Rybakina and Sabalenka are the two best players in the world when they’re at their best. Pegula said she needs to figure out something different to take it a little further and try to at least get a set or get the win.
What’s on the Line
Rybakina could win her 16th match against a top 10 player in the PIF WTA Rankings from last year’s Miami Open. Only Sabalenka (17) has more.
Pegula can compete with Rybakina. Their last two meetings saw the second set go to a tiebreak where Pegula fell short.