World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus showcased her dominance by cruising past Italy’s Jasmina Paolini 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday, advancing to her first Miami Open final. Playing at Hard Rock Stadium, the 26-year-old was in top form, serving six aces and hitting 31 winners against just 12 unforced errors.
“I definitely say that this was one of the best matches in the season so far,” Sabalenka shared after her impressive win. “I was just so focused on myself, on the things I had to do today.”
Sabalenka never trailed in the match, breaking Paolini’s serve four times and wrapping up the victory in just over an hour. With this win, she becomes the sixth woman in the past two decades to reach the finals of both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season.
Awaiting Sabalenka in the final is No.4 seed Jessica Pegula of the United States. Pegula fought a fierce battle against Philippine teenage sensation Alexandra Eala, ultimately winning 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 26 minutes.
Eala, a wild card entry and rising star, pushed Pegula to the limit, showcasing the growing talent emerging from the Philippines. Pegula’s experience and determination, however, secured her a spot in the championship match.
Saturday’s final promises to be an exciting clash between the top-ranked Sabalenka and home favorite Pegula, as both players vie for the prestigious Miami Open title.
