Elena Rybakina has made history at the Miami Open by becoming the first woman since Serena Williams at the 2020 US Open to hit at least 10 aces in four different matches in the same tournament. After winning against Martina Trevisan in the quarter-finals, Rybakina has accumulated 12 consecutive victories, including a prestigious title at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Rybakina’s Dominant Performance
Rybakina’s powerful serve is one of her biggest strengths and has contributed significantly to her recent success. She has delivered a total of 46 aces in her four matches at the Miami Open, hitting 201 aces overall this year, the highest among women. In her match against Anna Kalinskaya, Rybakina served 14 aces, followed by 12 against Paula Badosa, 10 against Elise Mertens, and 10 against Trevisan.
Comparisons to Serena Williams
The last time a WTA player recorded a minimum of 10 aces in four matches in the same event was when Serena Williams did so at the 2020 US Open. The American legend hit 12 aces each against Kristie Ahn, Sloane Stephens, and Maria Sakkari and reached 20 against Tsvetana Pironkova. However, Williams lost in the semifinals to Victoria Azarenka, who was then defeated by Naomi Osaka for the championship.
Using Court Speed to Her Advantage
Rybakina managed to finish with 39 aces in six matches to win the 2023 Indian Wells earlier in March, and she already recorded 46 aces in just four matches at the 2023 Miami Open. In a press conference after her quarterfinal victory, she mentioned that she is trying to win free points due to the relative quickness of the court in Miami, stating, “I’m trying to go more [for the serve], but I think here, after the bounce, the ball is a bit faster. That’s why I can get maybe more free points. But still, I would say that it’s kind of returnable, but yeah, a bit faster than in Indian Wells.”
Rybakina will face home favorite Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, with Pegula leading their head-to-head record 2-0, including a straight sets win at last year’s Miami Open.
