World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka booked her spot in the Miami Open final with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 semifinal victory over Italy’s Jasmina Paolini, showcasing precision with 31 winners and only 12 unforced errors. The Belarusian powerhouse, seeking her first Miami title, faces home favorite Jessica Pegula on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling climax to the tournament.
Sabalenka’s relentless performance marked her 12th WTA 1000 final and solidified her status as the sixth woman in two decades to reach back-to-back finals at Indian Wells and Miami. "This was one of my best matches this season," Sabalenka said, emphasizing her focus and tactical execution. Her serve remained unbroken throughout the match, leaving Paolini struggling to counter her aggressive baseline play.
Meanwhile, Pegula battled Philippine wildcard Alexandra Eala in a grueling three-set semifinal, clinching a 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 win after over two hours of intense rallies. The American’s resilience shone as she maintained composure under pressure, securing her place in a hometown final that could boost her WTA ranking.
With Sabalenka’s power and Pegula’s strategic adaptability on display, tennis enthusiasts worldwide are primed for a captivating showdown. The match also highlights the rise of global talent, from Belarus to Asia-Pacific, in one of the sport’s premier events.
