"Jessica Pegula just does not stop fighting" – Chanda Rubin optimistic about American repeating her success against Elena Rybakina at Miami Open 2023

Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina have booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2023 Miami Open. The duo are pitted against each other for a thrilling clash on Thursday, March 30, as they vie for a place in the final. Tennis commentator Chanda Rubin has shared her thoughts about the much-anticipated match-up.

Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina have clashed twice before in their careers. The American was victorious on both occasions - at the 2022 Miami Open as well as at the 2022 Guadalajara Open, where she was the champion. Their match at the WTA 1000 in Mexico was a barn burner that went the World No. 3’s way in the deciding tiebreak 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(8) despite three match points against her.

Tennis commentator Chanda Rubin highlighted this encounter and lauded Jessica Pegula for her perseverance, while also mentioning her latest match against Anastasia Potapova in the Miami quarterfinals, where she similarly saved two match points.

“That last win, she had to battle. Rybakina was up and had opportunities to take that match. [But], just like we saw in her previous match, Jessie Pegula just does not stop fighting, doesn’t let go of the belief, and I think that’s gonna help her in this match as well [The upcoming Miami Open semifinal],” Chanda Rubin said.

Rubin also noted that the humid climatic conditions and the faster tennis courts at the Miami Open are likely to favor the American No. 1 more than the big-hitting Rybakina.

“I think the conditions suit her, I think, just that little extra quickness [of the court], she has no problems handling the humidity. She trains a lot in the area, is from that area. So, I think there’s a lot of things that will be in her favor, in spite of how well and how big Rybakina’s been hitting the ball,” she said.

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Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina vie for their second WTA 1000 title at Miami Open 2023

Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina at the 2022 Guadalajara Open

This is Jessica Pegula’s second consecutive appearance in the final four of the Miami Open. Meanwhile, this is Elena Rybakina’s first time making it deep in the WTA 1000 event.

The duo have had a phenomenal season thus far, and are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the live race to the year-end WTA Finals. The reigning Guadalajara champion and the reigning Indian Wells champion are looking to clinch the second WTA 1000 title of their career at the tournament, with Elena Rybakina hoping to successfully complete the Sunshine Double.

The winner of their semifinal clash will face off against either Sorana Cirstea, Petra Kvitova, or Ekaterina Alexandrova in the final on Saturday, April 1.