World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the Miami Open, advancing to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka is now vying for a rare “Sunshine Double,” aiming to win both the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in the same year, a feat accomplished by only a select few in tennis history. Her quarterfinal opponent will be American Hailey Baptiste, who has reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
American talent Coco Gauff also navigated a tough three-set battle to secure her place in the quarterfinals, defeating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. Gauff emphasized the importance of mental resilience in her hard-fought win. She is scheduled to face Belinda Bencic in the next round.
Adding to the excitement, Victoria Mboko secured a significant quarterfinal berth by defeating the eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva. Mboko’s impressive performance sets up a quarterfinal match against Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova. Mboko’s strong 2026 season has also included a notable appearance in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
Sabalenka’s match against Zheng Qinwen saw the Belarusian demonstrate her powerful game, ultimately prevailing in one hour and 25 minutes. Sabalenka expressed her comfort playing in Miami, stating, “I can definitely say that it felt like home. Thanks to you guys, you really make this stadium feel like home for me.”
Gauff’s encounter with Cirstea was a closely contested affair, with Gauff ultimately finding her rhythm in the deciding set. “I just wanted to stay mentally in it,” Gauff commented on her approach.
Notable Performances
Hailey Baptiste’s journey to the quarterfinals has been marked by consistent strong play, as she has yet to drop a set throughout the tournament, defeating seeded opponents along the way. Her success marks a career-best WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance.
Victoria Mboko’s upset victory over Mirra Andreeva was a highlight, showcasing her tenacity and skill in a three-set thriller.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Who is Aryna Sabalenka playing next in Miami?
Aryna Sabalenka is set to face American Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
How did Coco Gauff perform in her Miami Open match?
Coco Gauff won her Miami Open match against Sorana Cirstea in three sets, with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, to advance to the quarterfinals.
Which other American players advanced to the quarterfinals in Miami?
Besides Coco Gauff, American players Jessica Pegula and Hailey Baptiste also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
