Ashlyn Krueger caused a major surprise at the Miami Open, achieving her first ever victory against a Top 10 player. She defeated No. 7 seed Elena Rybakina with scores of 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in a match lasting 1 hour and 50 minutes.
World No. 40 Krueger, who had previously lost all six matches against Top 10 opponents without winning a single set, overcame an impressive serving streak from Rybakina. Rybakina won 22 consecutive service points, stretching from 5-3, 30-15 in the first set to 1-0 in the third set. This included winning all 16 points on her serve in the second set.
However, Krueger also possesses a strong serve. Fans have noticed similarities between the two players, giving the 20-year-old American the nickname ‘Baby Rybakina’. Both players are tall – Krueger is 6-foot-1 and Rybakina is 6-foot-0 – and their playing styles are based on powerful, clean hitting and strong serves.
Speaking to the media after the match, Krueger found the nickname amusing, saying she was not aware of it before. However, she acknowledged the reasons behind it.
‘Big serves, big returns,’ she said, describing their game styles. ‘I knew points would be short, focusing on serves and first balls – whoever could dominate the point early.’
Despite Rybakina’s service streak, Krueger’s serve was ultimately more effective. She won 81% of her first-serve points compared to Rybakina’s 67%. Krueger also elevated her game during crucial moments. She broke Rybakina’s serve streak at 1-1 in the final set and later hit a powerful forehand winner to maintain pressure.
Krueger mentioned she wasn’t even aware of Rybakina’s 22-point streak until the press conference, and laughed upon hearing it.
‘I knew she was serving well, so… I just tried my best to return the ball,’ she explained.
Two games later, Krueger broke Rybakina’s serve for the first time since the first set, a crucial lead. Krueger then saved a break point in the third set to go up 5-3, securing her advantage.
Krueger’s victory is a culmination of her strong start to the 2025 season. She reached WTA 500 quarter-finals in Brisbane and Adelaide, and then her first WTA 500 final in Abu Dhabi in February. She has now reached a career-high ranking and is excited to continue her success on home ground.
‘It proves that my hard work is paying off and translating to my performance on court, which is all I can ask for,’ she said. Her next opponent is No. 26 seed Leylah Fernandez, who recovered from 5-3 down in the first set to defeat Alycia Parks 7-6(1), 6-3. Krueger has won two of their three previous matches, including a thrilling quarterfinal victory in Abu Dhabi.
