Aryna Sabalenka downs Zheng Qinwen again, books maiden Miami Open semi-final spot

Aryna Sabalenka extends her record against Zheng Qinwen and advances to the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. The Belarusian secures her sixth consecutive win over Zheng, who had been rediscovering her form but once again faltered against the World No. 1.

Sabalenka reaches the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time in her career, marking her 12th appearance in a WTA 1000 semi-final. The three-time Grand Slam champion will face sixth seed Jasmine Paolini for a spot in the final, after Paolini dominated Magda Linette 6-3, 6-2.

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Sabalenka storms through first set with dominant display

The match began with early signs of trouble for Zheng, who had to save a couple of break points in the very first game. However, Sabalenka also faced some struggles in the following game, squandering her chances as both players held serve to level at 1-1. Breaks were then exchanged, but Sabalenka gained the upper hand, taking the lead at 4-2 after securing two consecutive breaks.

With the advantage on her side, the Belarusian took control of the set, stringing together five consecutive games — including three breaks — and comfortably closing the set 6-2 after improving her serve throughout. Sabalenka landed 81% of her first serves, winning 57% of those points, while Zheng managed only 46% of her first serves, winning 64% of them. However, Zheng’s biggest struggles came on her second serve, winning just 1 of 13 points.

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Sabalenka prevails in rollercoaster second set

In the second set, it was Zheng who struck first, holding serve and securing an early break to go up 2-0. Once again, the momentum shifted as the set turned into a rollercoaster, with both players trading breaks. At 3-2, Zheng appeared to have the upper hand, showing more composure while Sabalenka’s frustration grew, especially as her serve faltered and Zheng applied pressure.

The set saw a total of six consecutive breaks — three for each player — leaving the score level at 4-4 after several long rallies. Though the 22-year-old Chinese player managed to hold serve once more, Sabalenka proved more effective in the crucial moments, holding her serve solidly towards the end and capitalising on her first break opportunity to close out the match 6-2, 7-5.

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In the semi-finals, Sabalenka will face sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, who has been enjoying a strong run of consecutive victories. Paolini defeated Poland’s Magda Linette 6-3, 6-2 in the quarter-finals, reaching her second career WTA 1000 semi-final — her previous run ended with a title in Dubai 2024. Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head 3-2.

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