Mar 25, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka reacts after missing a shot against Zheng Qinwen (CHN)(not pictured) on day eight of the 2025 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
World primary Aryna Sabalenka battled back within the second set to blast her way into the semi-finals of the 2025 Miami Open with a 6-2, 7-5 win over China’s Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday.
The victory gives Sabalenka her first place within the last 4 at Miami, with a clash against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini standing between her and a spot in the ultimate.
It looked prefer it was going to be routine business for the Belarussian against the ninth-seed Zheng when Sabalenka took the primary set comfortably.
But Zheng had worked something out between sets and got here out firing, breaking Sabalenka twice to open up a 4-2 lead within the set.
Sabalenka was in real trouble at 0-40 down but, after some signs of anger, was capable of fight back to carry for 4-4 after which turned her aggression into a strong finale.
With some blistering returns, the top-seed broke to go 6-5 after which together with her serve at full force, confidently held to secure the win.
“Truthfully every match is hard against her, I at all times need to work really hard to get the win and today was an incredible level from each of us,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m super pleased to get this win. I’m super pleased with the way in which I handled all of the emotions and handled the pressure,” she added.
Mar 25, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Jasmine Paolini (ITA) hits a forehand against Magda Linette (POL)(not pictured) on day eight of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Earlier, Paolini moved into the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Poland’s Magda Linette.
Paolini, beaten within the finals at Wimbledon and the French Open last yr, becomes the primary Italian to make it to the last 4 in Miami.
It took just 77 minutes for Paolini to handle business against Linette who had progressed into the quarters with a surprise win over Coco Gauff.
A lengthy delay to the beginning of the sport, brought on by heavy rain within the afternoon, didn’t cause any issues for the sixth-seeded Paolini who dominated from the off.
Paolini, who’s on the lookout for her second title on the WTA 1000 level, after last yr’s triumph in Dubai, looked confident and said she had known her form would begin to bring her results.
“I feel I didn’t play bad this season but I just didn’t have a terrific result. But I used to be there. I lost many matches but to big opponents,” she said.
“It was tough but I used to be repeating to myself that I used to be there – perhaps I just needed somewhat more confidence and it got here here perhaps,” she said.
Wednesday’s two quarters see second-seed Iga Swiatek up against Alex Eala, the wild card teenager from the Philippines, who has already beaten Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
Britain’s Emma Raducanu, having fun with her best run at a tournament since her win on the US Open in 2021, faces American fourth-seed Jessica Pegula.
