Miami Open: Victoria Azarenka battles Elena Rybakina in semi-final; Collins gets Alexandrova

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Victoria Azarenka will face Kazhakhstani Elena Rybakina in the semi-final of the Miami Open after the Belarusian overcame Yulia Putintseva.

Azarenka continues her bid for a fourth Miami title after previous wins in 2009, 2011 and 2016.

The Belarusian 27th seed needed almost three hours to win 7-6 (7-4) 1-6 6-3 against Putintseva.

ALSO READ:

• Miami Open: Jannik Sinner to face Daniil Medvedev in highly anticipated semi-final
• Olympics: Looking back at Jamaica’s 2012 relay team
• FPL challenge: All you need to know
• Paris Olympics: Waldrum invites Okeke, Ihezuo, Oshoala, 19 others for South Africa clash

On the other hand, Rybakina defeated Greek eighth seed Maria Sakkari 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, American Danielle Collins beat French 23rd seed Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2 on Wednesday.

30-year-old Collins is reportedly planning to retire from the WTA Tour at the end of the season.

In the other semi-final clash, Collins will face Ekaterina Alexandrova who recorded a hard-fought victory against fifth seed Jessica Pegula. The Russian had earlier beaten world number one Iga Swiatek.

“This one was incredible,” Alexandrova said.

“It was so difficult to play this match to the end and win. It’s the biggest achievement for me on this court and semi-final is a great bonus.”