Aryna Sabalenka reveals a serious issue she “struggled with” during her quarter-final win over Qinwen Zheng in Miami
Aryna Sabalenka earned her fourth semi-final spot of the season after beating Qinwen Zheng 6-2, 7-5 at the Miami Open.
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Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng (via WTA)
Aryna Sabalenka continued with her good run of form at the Sunshine Double as she reached her second consecutive WTA 1000 semifinals. The Belarusian produced an excellent display in her quarter-final match against Qinwen Zheng. However, she struggled with the conditions of the court and the ball during her victory.
Sabalenka reached the final of the Indian Wells but failed to win the title, losing in three sets to Mirra Andreeva. But in Miami, she has shown courage and strength and is yet to drop a set. She continued with her good display against 2024 Olympic gold medalist, Zheng in the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 tournament.
Sabalenka looked in charge of the match after winning the first set 6-2, but the tricky conditions began to affect her game. The World No.9 reacted to Sabalenka’s struggles and was able to break the US Open champion three times in a row to take a 4-3 lead. Nonetheless, Sabalenka was quick to recover and survive the onslaught.
She went on to claim the win in 6-2, 7-5. During her press conference, she revealed that she struggled with the conditions of the court and ball. But added that she was happy she handled the match well.
I’m very happy with the level I played but in the second set, we both couldn’t really adjust to the balls. Maybe because it was a late match and both of us had not played any late matches here. The balls were getting really heavy, and they were getting bigger, and I think we both couldn’t adjust to the conditions; that’s why we struggled with serving. But I’m super happy with the way I handled my emotions, and even though my serve didn’t work well, I was fighting for every point, and I’m very proud of that.
Aryna Sabalenka said via Miami Open Press
Sabalenka has won only one title this season, which came at the Brisbane International. She has yet to win another despite reaching two finals. The World No.1 will hope to end the jinx at the Miami Open.
Aryna Sabalenka to take on Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals of the Miami Open
Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot in the semifinals of the Miami Open for the first time in her career. She had previously reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2021 and 2023 but finally scaled through on Tuesday (March 25) after defeating Qinwen Zheng. Now into the last four, she will face Jasmine Paolini.
Paolini secured her place in the semifinals after defeating Magda Linette in straight sets. She became the first Italian woman to reach that stage of the competition. However, Sabalenka holds a 3-2 lead over the Italian in their head-to-head meetings. In their last meeting, the World No.1 defeated Paolini 6-3, 7-5 at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Jasmine Paolini reveals why she struggled with form at the beginning of the season
Jasmine Paolini began the season badly after breaking into the Top 5 last year. She failed to defend her Dubai Tennis Championships and also failed to reach any tournament quarter-finals before the Miami Open. However, since arriving in Miami, the Italian has found her form and now has a shot at a title. During her press conference, she revealed the reason for her struggles.
I think I didn’t play bad this season, but I didn’t have a great result. But I was there. I lost many matches, but to big opponents. [It] was tough, but at the same time I was repeating to myself that, you know, I’m there. Maybe I need just a little bit more of confidence. It came here, maybe.
Jasmine Paolini said via Miami Open Press
Last year, Paolini reached two Grand Slam finals but failed to win any. She had won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and also played in her first WTA Finals in Riyadh.
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