Aryna Sabalenka on why she has no fear of Elena Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina ahead of the Indian Wells tournament final / Photo: Instagram/@bnpparibasopen

World No. 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka shared her expectations for another match against Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina (World No. 2). The players will compete in the semifinals at the 2026 Miami Open.

Sabalenka said that this rivalry helps her progress and is not alarming. She noted that matches against Rybakina do not make her nervous, as she sees them as an opportunity to grow.

«I, to be honest, enjoy our rivalry and I enjoy our battles. I really enjoy because I feel like we both push each other to the limits. I feel like this kind of matches make me a better player and this is where I actually grow. So, I really enjoy it. Nothing that really bothers me. I’m super excited playing her,» Sabalenka said at a press conference following the quarterfinals.

The Belarusian tennis player sees the secret to success in decisive moments as controlling emotions and focusing on tactics.

«Over the years, I really improved in focusing on the right things and under the pressure still be able to focus on the game plan — not to take it too emotional. That’s why I’m able to pull out really great tennis on key moments because I don’t think about those moments as key moments. I’m taking it basically one step at a time,» she said.

The upcoming 2026 Miami Open semifinal between Sabalenka and Rybakina is scheduled for March 26.