Quick Win: Aryna Sabalenka reaches Miami Open fourth round as Ruse retires after first set

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Miami Open Round of 16 after her opponent, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, retired following just one set. The World No. 1 didn’t have to work too hard for her latest victory, as the Romanian could barely finish the first set, which ended 6-1 in favour of the Belarusian.

At the start of the match, things seemed tight, with the score at 1-1 and Ruse (No. 102) holding several break points. However, Sabalenka held firm and powered through a delicate moment on serve. From that point on, it was all Sabalenka, who secured two consecutive breaks and reeled off five games in a row.

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It took the 3-time Grand Slam champion just 29 minutes to take the set, boasting a 68% first-serve percentage and winning 71% of those points. She also thrived under pressure, saving all three break points she faced and converting both opportunities that Ruse offered her.

Ruse appeared to be struggling physically from the start, having shown signs of discomfort in her second-round match against Magdalena Frech (29th). The 27-year-old had won four consecutive matches, including qualifying rounds, but was ultimately unable to continue. The final score read 6-1, 0-0 [40-15], ret.

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With this result, Sabalenka moves comfortably into the Round of 16, where she awaits the winner between Rebeka Masarova and defending champion Danielle Collins (14th seed).

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