#aryna_sabalenka

Sabalenka: "Espero que Badosa vuelva a la cima, ahí es donde debe estar" Aryna Sabalenka, actual número uno del mundo, habló este martes sobre su amiga Paula Badosa, quien actualmente está fuera de las cien primeras del ranking. Sabalenka expresó su deseo de que Badosa "vuelva pronto a la cima, que es ahí dónde debe estar". La bielorrusa, quien ya ha ganado este año en Brisbane, Indian Wells y Miami, buscará en Madrid su cuarto título en el torneo español, tras haberlo logrado en la Caja Mágica en 2021, 2023 y 2025. En 2025, terminó el año con cuatro títulos —Brisbane, Miami, Madrid y Estados Unidos— y llegó a nueve finales. Sabalenka mencionó que durante esta temporada su cuerpo ha estado "un poco fuera" y que tuvo que tomar tiempo para recuperarse. "Ahora quiero mostrar mi mejor tenis cada vez que compito y creo que estoy bien", afirmó. Destacó su trabajo con psicólogos para mantener su bienestar mental, señalando que es crucial rodearse de personas con las que se siente cómoda, protegida y libre para expresarse. También subrayó la importancia de tener una vida fuera del tenis, como comer, pasar tiempo con amigos o hacer actividades no relacionadas con el deporte, para mantener la mente clara. En Madrid se reencuentra con Badosa, quien juega el torneo español bajo una invitación de la organización. Badosa, que en 2022 alcanzó el segundo puesto del mundo, actualmente se encuentra en una situación crítica, fuera de las cien primeras. Sabalenka confirmó su apoyo a Badosa, diciendo que siempre está disponible para ayudarla, darle consejos y acompañarla en momentos de dificultad. "Realmente espero que vuelva a la cima porque siento que aquí es donde debe estar. Realmente le deseo lo mejor", expresó. La tenista de 27 años, que mantiene una conexión especial con Madrid, destacó el apoyo de la ciudad y la atmósfera del estadio.#aryna_sabalenka #madrid #tenis #paula_badosa #caja_magica

Aryna Sabalenka, número 1 del tenis femenino: "Antes de conocerla bien, creía que Badosa no era demasiado agradable y ella me confesó que pensaba exactamente lo mismo de mí" Aryna Sabalenka, la número 1 del mundo del tenis femenino, compartió detalles personales durante una entrevista en la Suite Presidencial del Four Seasons en Madrid, donde se hospeda durante el Mutua Open. La bielorrusa, que llegó a la capital española tras un viaje desde Miami, mencionó que el jet lag la afecta y que necesita un entorno acogedor para recuperarse tras los partidos. "Para mí es esencial elegir bien donde me alojo durante un torneo. Necesito tener la certeza de que, tras un día intenso de competición, regresaré a un lugar en el que me sienta como en casa", afirmó. Destacó la comodidad del hotel, su excelente restauración, el spa y el gimnasio, además de la hospitalidad de los empleados. Durante la conversación, Sabalenka bromeó sobre los comentarios negativos que recibe en redes sociales. "Cuando leo algún comentario hiriente sobre mí, me meto en el perfil del autor para ver quién es y me da la risa. Me digo a mí misma: '¿En serio este tío -o esta tía- que no ha debido hacer deporte en su vida se está metiendo conmigo?' Alucino con la gente", confesó. Al hablar de Madrid, la jugadora expresó su fascinación por la ciudad. "Amo el parque grande que está aquí cerca, el del lago. No recuerdo bien el nombre: ¿El Retiro? Es precioso. He ido varias veces. La ciudad es increíble. Estamos muy cerca de la Plaza Mayor", dijo, mientras aceptó la sugerencia de probar los calamares y la cerveza local. Sobre su relación con Paula Badosa, Sabalenka reveló que sus primeras impresiones no fueron positivas. "Antes de conocerla bien, creía que Badosa no era demasiado agradable y ella me confesó que pensaba exactamente lo mismo de mí.#aryna_sabalenka #madrid #paula_badosa #mutua_open #four_seasons

Coco Gauff Rebounds After Serve Criticism Amid Rising Support from Former Rival Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, continues to navigate a mix of praise and scrutiny as she advances in her career. At just 22 years old, the American star has become a focal point of debate in the tennis world, with critics and former players frequently highlighting her serve as a potential weakness. Despite her recent success, including a hard-fought loss to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Miami Open final, Gauff’s performance has drawn sharp attention to her double-fault statistics, which have totaled 162 in 22 matches this season. The scrutiny intensified after Belinda Bencic, a former top-10 player, publicly criticized Gauff during the 2025 China Open. Bencic accused Gauff’s team of employing “mind games” and told her to “shut up” during a changeover. However, Bencic’s recent comments have shifted dramatically. After Gauff defeated her 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a Miami match, Bencic praised the American’s speed and court coverage, acknowledging that Gauff’s ability to shrink the court creates challenges that aren’t reflected in simple serve metrics. “I think her serve is very good... very fast,” Bencic said, reflecting a rare moment of public support for Gauff. This shift in Bencic’s stance isn’t entirely new. Earlier in 2026, she had criticized the release of emotional footage of Gauff following a loss, arguing that players deserve privacy in such moments. Bencic’s frustration with Gauff’s serve has roots in her own experiences. During the 2025 Australian Open, Bencic smashed her racket after a quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina, where she recorded five double faults in the first set. Despite her own struggles with serve consistency, Bencic has remained vocal about Gauff’s perceived flaws.#tennis #aryna_sabalenka #coco_gauff #belinda_bencic #us_open

When was the last time No. 1 and No. 2 on the WTA rankings played each other before a final? Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will face off in the Miami Open semifinals, marking the first time the top two players in the WTA rankings have met in a final match before a championship. The encounter, scheduled for March 26, 2026, highlights the growing rivalry between the two athletes, who have consistently dominated the rankings in recent years. Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, and Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, have not previously met in a final match prior to this event, making their clash a significant moment in women’s tennis. The match is part of a broader narrative of their intense competition, with both players vying for supremacy in the sport. Sabalenka, known for her powerful baseline game and mental resilience, has been a dominant force since claiming her first Grand Slam title in 2024. Rybakina, on the other hand, has showcased her versatility and adaptability, particularly in high-stakes matches. Their rivalry has intensified in recent months, with both players frequently challenging each other in tournaments and pushing each other to new heights. The Miami Open semifinal is not just a test of skill but also a strategic opportunity for both players to solidify their positions in the rankings. A victory for either would further cement their status as the leading contenders in women’s tennis. The match is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike, as it represents a pivotal moment in the 2026 season. The context of their meeting is also notable given the broader landscape of the WTA tour. With the sport seeing a surge in competitive intensity and the emergence of new talents, the rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina serves as a microcosm of the league’s evolving dynamics.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #wta_rankings #elena_rybakina #women_s_tennis

Aryna Sabalenka And Elena Rybakina Set Up Blockbuster Semi-Final: 1 Vs 2 In Miami Open Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina secured their place in the Miami Open semi-finals after defeating top-tier opponents, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the world number one and second-ranked player. Sabalenka, the defending champion, overcame American Hailey Baptiste in a tightly contested match, while Rybakina edged out fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula to advance. The semi-final showdown at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be a pivotal moment in their rivalry, with both players vying for a spot in the final of the prestigious WTA event. Sabalenka’s victory over Baptiste came after a grueling two-set battle. The American, ranked 45th, posed a significant challenge, forcing Sabalenka to navigate through multiple break points. Baptiste failed to capitalize on three critical opportunities in the first two service games, but she eventually broke Sabalenka’s serve at 4-5 in the second set. However, Sabalenka seized control of the final moments, converting her second match point with a powerful return after Baptiste double-faulted on set point. Sabalenka praised Baptiste’s intensity, calling her a “great opponent” and expressing satisfaction with her ability to handle pressure. Rybakina’s path to the semi-finals was equally dramatic. She faced Jessica Pegula, the player who had defeated Sabalenka in last year’s Miami Open final. Rybakina, seeded third despite recently rising to world No. 2, overcame a slow start to dismantle Pegula’s early dominance. Pegula took an early 4-0 lead in the first set, but Rybakina gradually regained composure, breaking for a 4-2 lead and eventually clinching the third set.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #hailey_baptiste

Sabalenka reaches second straight Miami SF, sets rematch with Rybakina Aryna Sabalenka secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Hailey Baptiste to advance to her second consecutive Miami Open semifinal. The World No. 1 dominated the match, maintaining her aggressive style while steadily shifting momentum in her favor. Baptiste, despite her efforts to keep pace, struggled to contain Sabalenka’s relentless approach. The Belarusian saved three break points in the first set, forcing Baptiste into difficult positions before securing the set with a well-timed double fault from the American. In the second set, Baptiste showed resilience by breaking back to level the match at 4-4. However, Sabalenka regained control after holding serve for 5-4. The American, under pressure, committed three double faults, giving Sabalenka her first match point. The Belarusian capitalized on the opportunity with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner to seal the win. The victory marks Sabalenka’s return to the Miami semifinals for the second year in a row, setting up a 17th career meeting with Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka holds a 9-7 head-to-head edge over Rybakina, with their most recent encounter at the Indian Wells final two weeks ago. In that match, Sabalenka saved a match point before clinching the title, continuing her pursuit of the Sunshine Double. The rematch in Miami adds another chapter to their rivalry, with both players vying for a place in the final. Meanwhile, Rybakina advanced to her third Miami Open semifinal after defeating No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula in a three-set thriller (2-6, 6-3, 6-4). The World No. 2, who recently claimed her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, extended her dominance against Pegula. Rybakina’s performance in Miami has been consistent, with a 2-0 record in previous semifinals.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #hailey_baptiste

Thursday Semis Preview: Who Wins the Latest Chapter of the Sabalenka-Rybakina Rivalry MIAMI — The Miami Open has reached its final four, with two high-stakes semifinal matches set for Thursday. American Coco Gauff will face Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the afternoon session, while World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Elena Rybakina will clash in the evening to conclude the day’s action. The matches will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time, respectively, with the latter marking a historic showdown between the top two players in the PIF WTA Rankings. This will be the first time since the 1998 US Open semifinals between Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna that the top two ranked players have faced each other before a final, excluding the WTA Finals. The Gauff-Muchova matchup is a rematch of their 2026 Australian Open Round of 16 encounter, where Gauff claimed a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Gauff, who has dominated their head-to-head record 5-0, has shown resilience in critical moments, including a comeback win against Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals. Her ability to extend matches to the third set and capitalize on clutch opportunities has positioned her as a strong contender. Gauff’s success could mark her sixth career WTA 1000 final, making her the third youngest player to achieve this milestone since the format’s introduction in 2009. Muchova, meanwhile, has been on a career-high run, reaching her third semifinal of the season and surpassing her previous annual total. Her recent performance against Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals—where she saved a set point and won 70% of her first serves—demonstrates her growing confidence. Muchova’s ability to prolong rallies with her forehand and adapt her game has made her a formidable opponent for Gauff.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina #karolina_muchova

Miami Open: Elena Rybakina Advances to Semis After Defeating Jessica Pegula Elena Rybakina secured her place in the Miami Open semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Jessica Pegula, winning 2-6 6-3 6-4. The Kazakh player, who claimed the Wimbledon singles title in 2022, extended her winning streak against Pegula to five matches. Rybakina, the 2023 and 2024 Miami runner-up, faced her American opponent in a third-round clash, overcoming a challenging start to advance. Pegula, 32, took an early 4-0 lead in the first set but struggled to maintain her momentum. Rybakina, however, mounted a comeback, hitting 15 aces and saving eight of 10 break points to secure the set. The second set saw Rybakina regain control, setting the stage for a decisive third set. Her resilience paid off, as she edged the final set 6-4 to claim the victory. Rybakina will now face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of the 2022 Australian Open final or unseeded American Hailey Baptiste in the semi-finals. The Kazakh player praised Pegula’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of facing her. “She started playing well, and I was rushing and frustrated, but I’m happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set,” Rybakina said. The other semi-final on Thursday will feature fourth-seeded American Coco Gauff and Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova. If Gauff reaches the final, she will surpass former world number one Iga Swiatek to move into third place in the WTA rankings next week. In the men’s draw, Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka advanced to the semi-finals after defeating unseeded Spaniard Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7-1) 7-5. Lehecka will face either Tommy Paul or Arthur Fils in the last four, setting up a potential final showdown.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina

Frances Tiafoe and Hailey Baptiste create tennis history together at the Miami Open Frances Tiafoe and Hailey Baptiste have made history at the Miami Open, becoming the first players from Washington, D.C., to reach the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event. Their impressive runs have highlighted their growing presence on the global tennis stage, with both athletes continuing their strong performances despite facing top-tier competition. Tiafoe, the American tennis star, advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating 2025 Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik in the third round. This victory marked his 250th career win, a significant milestone in his career. Prior to facing Mensik, Tiafoe had already eliminated French duo Arthur Cazaux and Terence Atmane, showcasing his consistency and resilience. His path to the quarterfinals has been marked by strong performances, and he now faces Jannik Sinner, the second-seeded player in the tournament. Baptiste, the American woman, has also made waves at the Miami Open, defeating top 10 player Elina Svitolina and former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko. Her run has been equally impressive, as she has yet to drop a set in the tournament. Baptiste’s victories over high-profile opponents have solidified her position in the draw, and she will now take on Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, in the quarterfinals. The duo’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as their success has brought attention to the growing talent pool in Washington, D.C. Their runs have also contributed to a broader narrative of American representation at the Miami Open. Other American players, such as Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff, are also making their mark.#jannik_sinner #aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #frances_tiafoe #hailey_baptiste

Hailey Baptiste vs. Aryna Sabalenka Miami Open quarterfinals Hailey Baptiste, the 24-year-old American tennis player ranked No. 45 in the world, is set to face top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Miami Open quarterfinals at Hard Rock Stadium. This marks Baptiste’s first WTA 1000 quarterfinal and her first encounter with a reigning World No. 1. The match, part of the evening draw, highlights her rapid ascent in the sport, a journey that began a decade ago with the support of her family and community. Baptiste’s path to professional tennis was shaped by a combination of determination and financial sacrifice. A decade ago, her mother, Shari Baptiste, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of her daughter’s junior tennis training. At the time, Hailey was 15, and the family struggled to afford the expenses of competing at a high level. Shari described the journey as “just the beginning,” emphasizing how Hailey’s talent and passion for the game had led them to this moment. The campaign raised $6,739 toward a $25,000 goal, a testament to the community’s support. Since turning pro at 16, Baptiste has become one of the rising stars of U.S. tennis. She has earned over $2.9 million in prize money and reached a career-high ranking of No. 39. Her recent success includes reaching the third round of the Australian Open, the semifinals at Abu Dhabi, and a strong showing at the Miami Open, where she is making her sixth appearance. Before this year, her best result at the tournament was a third-round loss to Naomi Osaka, another player with Haitian heritage. Baptiste’s growth as a player has been marked by increased confidence and technical refinement. She credits her recent progress to improved mental focus and physical conditioning.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #frances_tiafoe #hailey_baptiste #shari_baptiste

Wednesday's Miami quarterfinal preview: Can Pegula snap skid vs. Rybakina? The Miami Open quarterfinals set for Wednesday will feature two high-stakes matches, with World No. 2 Elena Rybakina facing Jessica Pegula for the third time in 2026 and reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka taking on unseeded Hailey Baptiste. The pairings mark a pivotal moment in the tournament as the final two spots in the semifinals are determined. Rybakina and Pegula, who have clashed five times since September, will meet again in Miami after their last encounter at the 2026 Australian Open. Rybakina holds a 5-3 head-to-head advantage, including a 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory in the Indian Wells quarters. The Kazakh star has dominated their recent meetings, winning the last four, including a semifinal showdown at the 2025 WTA Finals. In Miami, Rybakina has yet to drop a set, holding serve with remarkable consistency and saving six of seven break points. Pegula, however, has broken Rybakina’s serve eight times in their last three matches, though Rybakina’s ability to hold serve remains a key factor. Pegula, ranked No. 5, has been in stellar form this season, reaching the semifinals in seven consecutive tournaments and claiming the Dubai title in February. Her serve has been a standout weapon, with her fifth-ranked aces ranking among the top in the WTA. Despite her recent struggles against Rybakina, Pegula remains confident in her ability to challenge the Kazakh. "I wish I was playing her a bit later in the tournament, but she's kind of the player to beat right now," she said. "Between Aryna and her, I think they are the two best players in the world right now when they're at their best." The match carries significant implications for Pegula, who could extend her semifinal streak to eight in her last nine tour-level events with a win.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #hailey_baptiste

Zheng Qinwen's remarkable comeback victory over Madison Keys sets up a high-stakes fourth-round clash against Aryna Sabalenka at the Miami Open. The 23-year-old Chinese tennis star advanced to the last 16 for the third time in her career after defeating the former Australian Open champion and 15th seed in a three-set thriller (4-6, 6-2, 6-4). This follows her earlier straight-sets win over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens (6-3, 6-2), marking her second consecutive triumph over Grand Slam winners. Zheng described the Keys match as a challenging encounter, praising the American's powerful play and the difficulty of adapting to the intense pace. "Madison's ball was like a bomb for me, and I couldn’t react quick enough," she said in her post-match interview. "I haven’t played in a match with this kind of speed for a long time, so it took me some time to adapt. But I really enjoy playing in Miami, so I hope I can stay in the tournament a while longer." The victory marks Zheng's first significant success since the arrival of her new coach, Marcos Baghdatis, who joined her team at the Indian Wells tournament. She acknowledged the support of her long-time coach, Pere Riba, and expressed optimism about her new partnership. "I always want to have a second coach," she said. "Marco just joined at Indian Wells, and I really hope we can work well together." Zheng also reflected on her six-month layoff following elbow surgery last summer, calling the break "boring" without tennis. "I love tennis, and I love to play tennis," she said. "Competing with all the girls and being in front of the crowd during intense matches is what I miss most." Her next challenge will be facing world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed in Miami.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #madison_keys #zheng_qinwen #marcos_baghdatis

Qinwen Zheng: "My life has been very boring without tennis" Qinwen Zheng’s tennis career hit a pause last summer after a first-round exit at Wimbledon, followed by an elbow injury that sidelined her for months. Since then, she has competed in just four tournaments, but her return to form has been notable. At the Miami Open 2026, she advanced to the round of sixteen, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka. Ahead of her match, Zheng reflected on the months she spent away from the sport, describing her life as “very boring without tennis.” Speaking after her victory over Madison Keys, Zheng expressed her deep connection to the sport. “There are many things I like about the circuit, such as competing against the other girls or playing in front of the audience in big stadiums,” she said. “I missed these types of matches. During these six months, my life has been very boring without tennis. I love tennis. I like everything about this world, there is nothing I dislike.” Her comments highlight the emotional and psychological toll of prolonged absence from competition. While her physical recovery has progressed, the mental challenge of adapting to a life without the sport she loves has been significant. Zheng’s return to the court has been marked by determination, as evidenced by her performance in Miami. Her ability to quickly regain form suggests that her passion for tennis remains undiminished. The tournament has also provided a platform for Zheng to reestablish her presence in the sport. Her victory over Keys, a former top-ten player, underscores her growing confidence and competitiveness. As she prepares to face Sabalenka, a player known for her power and consistency, Zheng’s focus on the present moment reflects her commitment to rebuilding her career.#tennis #aryna_sabalenka #madison_keys #miami_open_2026 #qinwen_zheng

WTA Miami Day 7 Predictions Including Sabalenka vs Zheng The fourth round of the WTA Miami Open delivered a packed slate of matches on Day 7, featuring four top-10 players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and third-seeded Elena Rybakina. The tournament’s final round of group play saw intense battles across multiple courts, with each match carrying significant implications for the tournament’s progression. Predictions for the day’s key encounters were based on recent form, head-to-head records, and the players’ current momentum. Amanda Anisimova faced Belinda Bencic in a tightly contested clash. Anisimova, who had previously defeated Yulia Starodubtseva in straight sets, struggled with her second serve and consistency against Bencic. Despite her potential to dominate on her day, Anisimova’s recent inconsistency raised concerns. Bencic, known for her reliability and tactical discipline, was favored to advance, particularly if Anisimova failed to execute her serve effectively. The prediction leaned toward Bencic securing a straight-sets victory. Jessica Pegula’s path to the quarterfinals was expected to be straightforward against Jaqueline Cristian. Pegula, ranked third in the world, had been dominant in early rounds, showcasing a strong serve and baseline resilience. Cristian, though having defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in a hard-fought match, lacked the firepower to challenge Pegula. The prediction favored Pegula’s ability to maintain her composure and close out the match quickly. Elena Rybakina’s match against Talia Gibson was a test of her world-class consistency. Gibson had stunned Iva Jovic in the third round, demonstrating improved form and the ability to compete with top-tier players. However, Rybakina’s experience and physicality were seen as insurmountable obstacles.#aryna_sabalenka #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #amanda_anisimova #wta_miami_open

Sabalenka to meet Zheng in high-stakes Miami showdown Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen will face off in the Miami Open Round of 16 after both players advanced with strong performances in their third-round matches. Sabalenka defeated Caty McNally in straight sets, while Zheng staged a remarkable comeback against Madison Keys to secure her first victory over a Top 20 player since her return to the WTA Tour following elbow surgery. The clash marks Zheng’s ninth meeting with Sabalenka, with the World No. 1 seeking to extend her winning streak against the Belarusian star. Zheng’s victory over Keys was a pivotal moment in her resurgence. After struggling to keep up with the American’s powerful shots in the first set, Zheng turned the tide in the second and third sets, ultimately prevailing 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The win marked her first triumph over a Top 20 opponent since Roland Garros in 2025 and highlighted her improved form following her recovery. Zheng, who had previously lost her first six matches against Sabalenka, now aims to break that losing streak and end the World No. 1’s bid for a second consecutive Miami title. Sabalenka’s path to the Round of 16 was more methodical. She dominated McNally, winning 10 of the last 12 games in a 6-4, 6-2 victory. The Belarusian star showcased her ability to control rallies, particularly in the second set, where she broke McNally for the third time to seal the match. Sabalenka emphasized her focus on maintaining consistency, stating, “I’ll focus on myself. I’ll focus on my game. I’ll try to stay focused from the first point till the last.” Zheng’s comeback against Keys was marked by a dramatic turnaround. After trailing 0-40 on serve in the second set, she adjusted her approach and surged ahead, finishing with 31 winners compared to Keys’ 15.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #round_of_16 #wta_tour #zheng_qinwen

Tennis Betting Tips: Cirstea to KO Coco in Miami The second week of the 2026 Miami Open is underway, with the tournament progressing to the round-of-16 stage. Despite weather disruptions in the opening week, the competition remains competitive, particularly on the women’s side. Sorana Cirstea, the Romanian No. 1, is set to face Cori “Coco” Gauff in a round-of-16 clash, with betting tips suggesting Cirstea is a strong favorite. Cirstea, 35, is in her 20th and final season on the WTA Tour after announcing her retirement last December. She has dominated this year’s schedule, winning 18 of her first 22 matches, including a 250 title in Cluj, Romania, where she defeated British No. 1 Emma Raducanu in straight sets. Her recent form includes victories over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and World No. 13 Linda Noskova, though she has struggled against top-20 players like Osaka and Sabalenka. Her upcoming match against Gauff marks her first encounter with the American No. 1, who has shown resilience in the tournament but faces tougher challenges ahead. Gauff, 22, has bounced back from set-downs in her opening matches against Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Alycia Parks, but her recent performances suggest she may struggle against more experienced opponents. She has faced setbacks in 2026, including a loss to 48th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the United Cup and a defeat to Cocciaretto in the Doha Open. Her double-fault issues have also plagued her, with 19 errors recorded in two Miami Open matches, compared to Cirstea’s nine across three. Analysts note that Cirstea’s consistent serving and recent form make her a strong contender for a significant win. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 4, continues her dominance at the Miami Open, having not dropped a set in her matches against Ann Li and Caty McNally.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #sorana_cirstea #cori_gauff #qinwen_zheng

Miami Open Draw Features Home Hopes and Rising Contenders The Miami Open’s draw is packed with compelling storylines, from Aryna Sabalenka’s pursuit of a rare back-to-back Indian Wells-Miami title sweep to Elena Rybakina’s bid to break through in South Florida. The tournament, part of the season’s second Sunshine Swing, offers a mix of top seeds, rising stars, and homegrown hopes across its bracket. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, enters the event as the top seed, aiming to become the fifth woman in history to win both the Indian Wells and Miami WTA 1000 events in the same season. Her path includes a potential clash with No. 15 seed Madison Keys, who defeated her in last year’s Australian Open final. A key early-round matchup will feature Keys against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, a rising talent who reached the Dubai quarterfinals and advanced two rounds at Indian Wells. Ruzic could pose a threat to Keys in the second round. Other top seeds include Coco Gauff (No. 4) and Amanda Anisimova (No. 6), both Florida natives seeking their first Miami quarterfinal appearance. Gauff, a former semifinalist, faces a challenging path, while Anisimova aims to avoid a fourth career head-to-head meeting with Gauff. The bottom half of the draw also features Maria Sakkari, an unseeded player with a strong history in the tournament. Rybakina, the 2023 and 2024 Miami runner-up, returns to the event after a dramatic loss to Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final. She faces a tough section of the draw, including a potential third-round clash with No. 27 seed Marta Kostyuk and possible fourth-round matches against Osaka or Iva Jovic. Her path could lead to a final-eight showdown with No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula, whom she has defeated in previous tournaments. The draw also highlights several underdog stories.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina #amanda_anisimova

Miami Open women's preview: Are Sabalenka and Rybakina on another level? The Sunshine Double kicks into a higher—or at least faster—gear in its second half. Miami, like Indian Wells, is a hard-court 1000 with a 96-player draw. But the surface is a little quicker, the fans a little louder, the humidity a little—OK, a lot—higher, and the pace of life much more frenetic. We’re also one week closer to the peak intensity of the Grand Slam season. Who’s ready to step up their games, or, in the case of the top performers from last week, keep them at a high level? Here are three things to look for as the women move east, and close out hard courts until July. Tennis Year-Round: Limited time only, $77/year Can Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina make it four big-stage clashes in a row? All of a sudden, we have a new rivalry at the top of the WTA Tour. As of this week, Sabalenka and Rybakina are ranked No. 1 and 2, and they’ve met in three straight top-tier finals: WTA Finals, Australian Open, Indian Wells. The last two were high-quality three-setters, with each player winning one. Together, they’re about as high-powered a pair as we’ve seen, and they’ve separated themselves from the pack. This is what we want to see, right? The problem in Miami—if it is a problem—is that they’re on track to meet in the semifinals, rather than the final. The seedings were done when Iga Swiatek was still No. 2, so she’s the second seed, and Rybakina has landed in Sabalenka’s half. There’s no reason to think they won’t play again. Sabalenka is the defending champ in Miami, and Rybakina is a two-time runner-up here. In 2023, she fell match one short of the Sunshine Double. They have comparably difficult paths to the semifinals. Sabalenka’s competition could come from Madison Keys or Zheng Qinwen.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #iga_swiatek #elena_rybakina

Give Venus Williams Her Flowers, Just Not a Wild Card Venus Williams is one of the greatest tennis players in history. Her career includes seven Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and a legacy that reshaped the sport’s commercial and cultural landscape. She has endured challenges like Sjögren’s syndrome, outlasted rivals, and maintained relevance for over three decades. When she steps onto a court, history accompanies her. Yet, her current standing in the rankings—World No. 517—and her 0-5 record in 2026 raise questions about the purpose of wild card entries. Despite her past achievements, the decision to grant her a wild card for the Miami Open has sparked debate about the role of such invitations in modern tennis. Wild cards are intended to provide opportunities to players who lack high rankings but have valid reasons for inclusion. These reasons typically fall into three categories: a young player with exceptional potential needing exposure, a player returning from injury requiring competitive matches to rebuild their ranking, or a local draw that boosts a tournament’s commercial appeal. Venus does not fit any of these criteria. She is not a rising star, her physical limitations are not temporary, and while her name draws attention, the Miami Open already features top-tier players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. The tournament’s draw is already competitive, making her inclusion unnecessary. The argument for Venus’s wild card is often rooted in sentiment rather than merit. Supporters cite her history at the Miami Open, where she won titles in 1998, 1999, and 2001, and her status as a local favorite. However, wild cards are meant to serve competitive purposes, not ceremonial ones.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #venus_williams

Finali di Indian Wells: Sabalenka trionfa, Medvedev sfida Sinner Aryna Sabalenka ha conquistato il titolo del torneo femminile di Indian Wells dopo una partita intensa contro Elena Rybakina. La bielorussa ha vinto al terzo set con un tie-break decisivo, portando il punteggio finale a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6. La vittoria segna il primo titolo per Sabalenka in questa edizione del torneo, che si è svolto in California. Nella semifinale, Medvedev ha eliminato sorprendentemente Carlos Alcaraz, interrompendo la sua striscia di 16 vittorie consecutive. Il russo ha vinto il match con il punteggio di 6-3, 7-6 (3), sfruttando entrambe le occasioni di break e chiudendo il tie-break con un ace. Medvedev, ora in finale, affronterà Jannik Sinner, che ha raggiunto la finale dopo aver superato il numero uno del mondo. La partita tra Medvedev e Sinner si preannuncia equilibrata. Medvedev, con il suo servizio e la capacità di gestire i tie-break, ha dimostrato di essere in forma, mentre Sinner, noto per la sua tecnica e la capacità di rimanere concentrato sotto pressione, cercherà di replicare. Nella stessa giornata, Djokovic ha annunciato il ritiro dal Miami Open a causa di un infortunio. Il serbo, che ha sempre vinto il torneo, non potrà difendere la finale raggiunta lo scorso anno e rischia di perdere posizioni nel ranking. Le finali si terranno in California, dove il caldo ha influenzato alcuni momenti della competizione. Sinner e Medvedev si affronteranno nella prestigiosa finale del Masters 1000 su cemento, un evento importante per entrambi. La partita, in programma stasera, sarà seguita da milioni di tifosi in tutto il mondo. Sabalenka, divenuta regina di Indian Wells, ha dimostrato di essere una contendente forte, mentre Medvedev e Sinner si preparano a una battaglia epica.#jannik_sinner #aryna_sabalenka #carlos_alcaraz #elena_rybakina #medvedev