Miami Open 2023: Rybakina fends off tough test from Badosa, advancing into Round of 16

Elena Rybakina overcame the stiff challenge posed by Paula Badosa in their third-round match, defeating the Spaniard 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the Round of 16 of the Miami Open.

The newly crowned Indian Wells champion regrouped from losing the opening set, was down 2-4, and saved a match point in the second set to force a deciding set, eventually winning the decider with so much calm under pressure.

Notably, Rybakina saved 60 winners and 56 unforced errors against Badosa. The third 50-50+ at WTA 1000 level, and are the most winners in a single WTA match in 2023, equalling Linda Noskova in Adelaide, in the Round of 32 matches.

She also managed a second win from a set down in 2023, winning her 10th consecutive match at the WTA level. This is the first time Rybakina has achieved 10 straight victories in her career.

In her interview after defeating Badosa in Miami, Rybakina said she just tried to fight for every point.

“I was trying to not think it’s match point, just tried to fight every point. First set I wasn’t playing bad, just some moments here and there didn’t go my way. Paula (Badosa) played really well til the end. We both fought. I’m just happy I managed to win in three sets,” the Kazakh said.