World number one Aryna Sabalenka fought back in the second set to secure her spot in the semi-finals of the Miami Open, defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 7-5 on Tuesday.
This win marks Sabalenka’s first appearance in the semi-finals in Miami, where she’ll meet Italy’s Jasmine Paolini for a chance to reach the final.
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It seemed like a straightforward match for the Belarusian against the ninth seed Zheng as she easily took the first set. However, Zheng made adjustments and came out strong in the second set, breaking Sabalenka twice to establish a 4-2 lead.
Sabalenka faced significant pressure at 0-40 but, after showing some frustration, rallied to hold serve and tie it at 4-4. She then unleashed a powerful finish, breaking Zheng again to lead 6-5 and serving confidently to clinch the match.
“Honestly every match is tough against her, I always have to work really hard to get the win and today was an incredible level from both of us,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m super happy to get this win. I’m super happy with the way I handled all the emotions and handled the pressure,” she added.
Meanwhile, Paolini advanced to the semi-finals with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 victory over Poland’s Magda Linette. The sixth seed, who reached the finals at Wimbledon and the French Open last year, becomes the first Italian to reach the last four in Miami.
Despite a lengthy rain delay, Paolini quickly established control over Linette, who had previously upset Coco Gauff in the quarters. Paolini, aiming for her second WTA 1000 title since winning in Dubai last year, exuded confidence and expressed that she knew her hard work would eventually lead to results.
“I think I didn’t play bad this season but I just didn’t have a great result. But I was there. I lost many matches but to big opponents,” she said.
“It was tough but I was repeating to myself that I was there – maybe I just needed a little more confidence and it came here maybe,” she said.
In Wednesday’s quarter-finals, second seed Iga Swiatek will face Alexandra Eala, the teenage wildcard from the Philippines who has already defeated Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
Additionally, Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who is experiencing her best tournament run since winning the US Open in 2021, will take on American fourth seed Jessica Pegula.
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