Miami Open: Elena Rybakina sets up final date with Danielle Collins

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-4 0-6 7-6(2) on Thursday to qualify for the final of the Miami Open despite getting bageled in the second set.

In Saturday's title clash, Rybakina will lock horns with American Danielle Collins, who defeated Russian 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-2 in the other last-four clash.

Rybakina, the highest seed remaining in the women's draw, bagged 82% of her first-serve points but only managed to secure two out of her 11 break-point chances.

"It was such a tough battle," Rybakina said after reaching her fourth final of the year.

"I didn't serve that well and also Vika, from the second set, she was hitting the serve very well. It was difficult but I knew was going to fight until the end and actually that's what I did."

The 24-year-old is looking to win her third title this year after victories in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi. She has also beaten her opponent, Collins, in the final in their last three meetings.

According to Opta, Rybakina is the first player to reach four WTA level finals (Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Miami) within the first three months of a season since she achieved the same feat in 2020. 

Collins qualified for her maiden final in Miami after hitting 21 winners to finish the match in just over an hour.

"It's special to do this in my home state," said Collins, who is seeking her third WTA title of her career ahead of her retirement at the end of the season.

"I've had a lot of tough battles with Rybakina, but I did get a win on her in San Jose a while ago. I'll have to do my homework on her."

Collins is the second American aged 30+ to reach their maiden Miami Open final after Chris Evert in the inaugural edition of the event in 1985.

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