In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Miami Open, top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus delivered a commanding performance against No. 9 seed Zheng Qinwen of China, winning 6-2, 7-5. Held under the Florida sun, the match showcased an electrifying mix of powerful serves and decisive breaks.
Zheng Qinwen started strong, rallying from a 40-15 deficit in her service game, but Sabalenka’s relentless aggression soon turned the tide. The Belarusian player broke Zheng repeatedly, clinching the first set with authority.
The second set saw Zheng fighting back with renewed vigor, recording three early breaks in the opening games. However, Sabalenka matched every effort with a strategic counter-break, leveling the set at 5-5 before sealing the match with two consecutive games.
Now advancing to the semifinals, Sabalenka is set to face Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini. This win marks her first appearance in the final four of the tournament, further establishing her as a formidable force on the court. Notably, Zheng has lost all six of her previous encounters with Sabalenka, a streak that continued in this high-stakes match.
The contest not only demonstrates the unpredictability of professional tennis but also underscores the blend of resilience and precision that defines today’s game, inspiring young global citizens and sports enthusiasts around the world.
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Zheng Qinwen ousted by Aryna Sabalenka in Miami Open quarterfinals
cgtn.com
