Aryna Sabalenka fired from all cylinders today and that resulted in Jasmine Paolini being demolished 6-2 6-2 in just an hour and 11 minutes of play in their Miami Open semifinal.
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Today, the Belarusian tennis star delivered a near-perfect performance as the sixth-seeded Italian barely had any openings - and even when she had some chances - nothing came out of them. During the match, the world No. 1 claimed two breaks in each set. Also, she faced a total of four break points and pretty much easily saved all of them.
During the match, Sabalenka - who has a history of failed tweener attempts - finally made one. Unfortunately for the three-time Grand Slam champion, she still ended up losing the point as Paolini waited at the net and had an easy job.
Now, Sabalenka leads her head-to-head against Paolini 4-2 and she has been through to her fourth final of the year. For the Miami title, the 26-year-old will battle against the winner of the match between Jessica Pegula and Alexandra Eala. If Pegula wins the remaining semifinal, fans in Miami will have a chance to see a rematch of the 2024 US Open final - which the Belarusian won.
Sabalenka reflects on beating Paolini
The top seed made light work of her rival today but still kept it very respectful.
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Shes an incredible player. I knew Id have to work for every point against her. I focused on my serve. I tried to stay as low as possible. She was hitting pretty flat and deep balls so you gotta stay low. I was focusing on my movement and serve. Super happy with the level I played," Sabalenka said after the match.
If the 26-year-old Belarusian wins the final on Sunday, she will lift her first Miami title.
