Jessica Pegula offers supportive salute to Elena Rybakina after Miami Open setback

Jessica Pegula’s run at the Miami Open came to an end in the quarterfinals after she was beaten by Elena Rybakina.

Pegula and Rybakina have now played each other three times this season, with all of those meetings coming on the WTA Tour in 2026.

It’s been a tough stretch for the American, who has lost all three of those matches, as well as their semifinal clash at the 2025 WTA Finals.

Pegula did win their first two encounters back in 2022, but since then, it’s been one-way traffic. Rybakina also came out on top at Indian Wells and the Australian Open earlier this year.

Despite her frustration after another loss to Rybakina in Miami, Pegula is trying to stay positive about how she played and where her game is heading.

Jessica Pegula sends classy message to Elena Rybakina following Miami Open loss

Rybakina had more to say about her relationship with Sinner during an appearance on Tennis Channel Live earlier this year:

Pegula took to Instagram following her defeat, writing: “I love playing here in Miami Open and even though it didn’t go my way yesterday, I love the privilege of being able to compete and go through those tough moments on court.

“There is nothing better. Thank you so much for the support, good luck to Elena rest of the way!”

It was a thoughtful message from Pegula towards her opponent, who now faces Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.

The world number one is also defending her title in Florida and has been in good form throughout this year’s tournament.

Pegula had a strong run at last year’s event as well, beating Alexandra Eala and Emma Raducanu before falling short against Sabalenka in the final.

Sabalenka v Rybakina: A Rare Meeting Between the Top Two

The Sabalenka-Rybakina semifinal isn’t just a high-profile matchup—it’s also an unusual one in terms of rankings.

Outside of the WTA Finals, it’s the first time since the 1998 US Open semifinals that the top two players in the world have faced each other before a final.

Back then, Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna squared off, with Hingis advancing before losing to Lindsay Davenport in the final.

Hingis and Novotna did leave New York with a title, though, teaming up to win doubles. And it was also where Serena Williams made her Grand Slam debut.

Williams exited in round three of singles but did claim her first major trophy by winning mixed doubles alongside Max Mirnyi.

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