Top Seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina Path to Miami Open Rematch Revealed in Competitive Draw

The WTA Miami Open draw sets up a potential Sabalenka vs Rybakina semi-final while Iga Swiatek could face Alex Eala in a high-stakes rematch.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 8:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Sabalenka and Rybakina Set for Potential Collision in Florida

The WTA Miami Open draw has placed world number one Aryna Sabalenka and newly crowned world number two Elena Rybakina in the top half, creating the possibility of a marquee semi,final encounter. Sabalenka, the defending champion, enters Florida after a grueling three,set victory over Rybakina in California where she saved a championship point. According to the tournament bracket, Sabalenka’s path to the title defense includes a projected third,round match against Wang Xinyu and a potential quarter,final against Jasmine Paolini, the player she defeated in the semi,finals exactly twelve months ago.

Rybakina Navigates Dangerous Path in Quest for First Miami Title

Despite her recent surge to second in the world rankings, Elena Rybakina remains the third seed for this event due to the timing of the draw. The Kazakh star faces a daunting projected route that could see her face 2025 finalist Jessica Pegula in the quarter,finals. Before reaching the final eight, Rybakina may have to overcome a blockbuster fourth,round match against 16th seed Naomi Osaka. Rybakina has established herself as one of the tour's most consistent performers, having already defeated Pegula in major tournament rounds earlier this season, but her placement in the same half as Sabalenka ensures a difficult road to the final.

Swiatek Eyes Redemption Against Upset Specialist Alex Eala

In the bottom half of the draw, second seed Iga Swiatek is looking to reclaim the title she won in 2022, but a familiar hurdle looms in the third round. Swiatek was famously stunned by Alex Eala at this same event last year, and the two are projected to meet again if they navigate their opening matches. To facilitate this rematch, Swiatek must first defeat either Magda Linette or Varvara Gracheva, while Eala faces a tough opener against Laura Siegemund or Petra Marcinko. According to analysts, this section of the draw is among the most anticipated given the historical narrative of Eala’s rise.