Aryna Sabalenka Advances in Miami, Sets Quarterfinal Match with Zheng Qinwen

MIAMI, USA — Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, rebounded from a recent setback to triumph over defending champion Danielle Collins 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth round of the Miami Open on Monday. Following a difficult loss to Mirra Andreeva in the Indian Wells final, Sabalenka’s victory in Miami marks a significant comeback and sets her up for a quarterfinal match against Zheng Qinwen.

Sabalenka entered the Miami Open with high spirits, eager to shake off her disappointment from Indian Wells. In that tournament, she had shown her dominance by winning five matches without dropping a set, including a semifinal victory against Madison Keys, a rematch of the Australian Open final.

“It was just, I believe, not my day,” Sabalenka said after her match against Collins. “Me and my team know what happened there, what I was struggling with. I didn’t have that much time to be depressed or anything. I was straight back to practice on the next day.”

Sabalenka expressed relief at competing in what feels like a home tournament, having made Miami her residence. “You should have this short memory,” she added. “You kind of forget it quicker if you have something coming up next.”

Living in Miami has its perks, as noted by Sabalenka, who enjoys the balance of a familiar environment while staying focused on her game. “I love it! It’s pretty cool, and I’m happy I have a house here,” she said, reflecting on the comforts of home such as doing her own laundry and driving her own car.

Sabalenka’s performance against Collins featured seven aces and a solid first-serve percentage of 76%. Her strategic serving proved effective throughout the match. “At the Australian Open I was serving not very good, so after we were working a lot on my serve to get back the shot,” she explained. “I think against Danielle I served really smart.”

Her upcoming match against Zheng marks a critical moment in Sabalenka’s path in the tournament, as she holds a perfect 5-0 record against Zheng. With momentum on her side, she aims to continue her winning streak.

The quarterfinal showdown is scheduled for Tuesday at Hard Rock Stadium, where Sabalenka hopes to capitalize on her home advantage as she seeks to advance further in the tournament.