Barty downs Sabalenka in epic Miami Open quarterfinal clash

It was a sensational match between Barty and Sabalenka lasting close to two and half hours with the Australian coming out on top.

It was a match worthy of a quarterfinal and saw Barty come out on top against Sabalenka. It took her almost two and half hours to down the Belarussian in an epic quarterfinal clash. The start of the match featured strong play from both. They served well and allowed little on serve. At 4-4 to Barty, she would get her first break point which she converted. She served it out clinching the opening set 6-4.

It was a disappointing end to a set where Sabalenka had two break points but failed to use either. The second set featured an even bigger battle than the first with Sabalenka once again being the one who had more chances. She had three break points while Barty had two but neither used any. In the end, we ended up in a tiebreak where Barty was up 3-1 and 4-2 but lost it 5-7.

It was a huge confidence boost for Sabalenka but it would not be enough. Staying true to her defending champion mantle Barty raised it up in the final set taking balls early and attacking as soon as she could. She would squander a break point early before finally breaking Sabalenka at 4-3. With a 5-3 lead in hand, the Australian served it out as Sabalenka had nothing left to give.

A very strong victory for the defending champion who is showing some of that skill that got her to be the number one in the world. A solid result for Sabalenka but as per usual she crumbled when it mattered the most.