World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to her first Miami Open final after a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win against No. 6 seed Jasmina Paolini on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium. Sabalenka maintained a perfect service game throughout the match, securing her place in her 12th career WTA 1000 final.
Miami holds a special significance for Sabalenka, as she resides in South Florida. She mentioned earlier in the tournament how much she appreciates being able to stay in her own home and maintain her routine while competing. Despite considering Miami a home tournament, this is the first time Sabalenka has reached the final, having only reached the quarterfinals twice in her previous six appearances, whether in Key Biscayne or Miami Gardens.
Following her quarterfinal victory over No. 9 seed Zheng Qinwen (6-2, 7-5), marking her seventh consecutive win against the Olympic gold medalist, Sabalenka faced Paolini. This favorable matchup propelled Sabalenka into a final she has long desired. The three-time major champion has now defeated Paolini in their last three encounters, all in straight sets.
Sabalenka was in control from the start against Paolini, with the score only being tied at 1-1 in both sets. She served six aces, broke Paolini`s serve four times, and clinched the victory in 1 hour and 11 minutes. In the final on Saturday, she will face either No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula or Alexandra Eala, a teenage wild card from the Philippines.
Over the past 20 years, Sabalenka is the sixth player to reach both the Indian Wells and Miami finals in the same season, joining the ranks of Kim Clijsters (2005), Maria Sharapova (2006, 2012, 2013), Victoria Azarenka (2016), Iga Swiatek (2022), and Elena Rybakina (2023). Sabalenka previously lost to Mirra Andreeva in the BNP Paribas Open final.
More updates to follow…
Rupert Caldwell