Sabalenka’s victory over Zheng Qinwen showcased her resilience and ability to elevate her game in key moments. After a dominant first set, she faced strong resistance from Zheng, who adjusted her approach and took control in the second set. However, Sabalenka’s mental toughness and powerful baseline game allowed her to turn things around, breaking at a crucial moment and serving out the match confidently. This win marks a milestone for Sabalenka, as it secures her first-ever semi-final appearance in Miami, demonstrating her continued growth on hard courts.
Her semi-final opponent, Jasmine Paolini, impressed with a commanding performance against Magda Linette. The Italian, known for her consistency and all-court game, showed why she is becoming a serious contender on the WTA Tour. Her win in just 77 minutes reflects both her dominance and Linette’s struggles to match her intensity. Paolini’s season had been solid but lacked big results—until now. Her run to the semi-finals signals a breakthrough and adds to her growing reputation as a big-match player.
The upcoming semi-final between Sabalenka and Paolini will be an intriguing clash of styles. Sabalenka’s aggressive power-hitting will be tested against Paolini’s movement and tactical play. While Sabalenka is the favorite based on ranking and firepower, Paolini’s ability to absorb pressure and counterpunch could pose problems.
Meanwhile, the remaining quarter-finals add further excitement to the tournament. Iga Swiatek, the second seed, is expected to advance past Alexandra Eala, but the young Filipino has already proven her ability to challenge top players. Emma Raducanu’s resurgence adds another storyline—her matchup against Jessica Pegula will test whether she can rediscover the form that won her the US Open in 2021.
Overall, the Miami Open is shaping up to be a fascinating battle of established stars and rising challengers, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.