Aryna Sabalenka Advances to Miami Open QF; Gauff to Face Bencic
Synopsis
In a thrilling Miami Open matchup, Aryna Sabalenka dominated Zheng Qinwen to reach the quarterfinals, while Coco Gauff battled past Sorana Cirstea. Gauff prepares for a challenging showdown against Belinda Bencic next. Stay tuned for more exciting tennis action!
Key Takeaways
Aryna Sabalenka continues her impressive form at the Miami Open, defeating Zheng Qinwen.
Coco Gauff reaches her first Miami Open quarterfinal after a hard-fought victory.
Gauff will face Belinda Bencic , who is also in top form.
Both Sabalenka and Gauff are key players to watch in the upcoming stages.
The tournament showcases the depth of talent in women's tennis.
Miami, March 24 (NationPress) The reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka showcased her remarkable form at the Miami Open, advancing to the quarterfinals with a decisive straight-sets victory over Zheng Qinwen.
Sabalenka completed the match in just one hour and 25 minutes, winning 6-3, 6-4, and extending her impressive head-to-head record against Zheng. Although the Chinese player displayed flashes of brilliance, the Belarusian star consistently managed the pressure, regaining command during key moments.
This win marks Sabalenka's 15th consecutive appearance in a WTA quarterfinal, a feat last accomplished by Justine Henin from 2006 to 2008. It also signifies her 32nd participation in a WTA 1000 quarterfinal, placing her second only to Victoria Azarenka among current players.
In the next round, Sabalenka will face American Hailey Baptiste, who reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal after a solid performance. Following her upset victory over Elina Svitolina, Baptiste defeated Jelena Ostapenko with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The 22-year-old has been in excellent form, progressing through the tournament without dropping a single set.
Meanwhile, World No. 4 Coco Gauff achieved her first Miami Open quarterfinal after battling past Sorana Cirstea with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in a match characterized by numerous breaks of serve. Both players faced difficulty holding serve, particularly in the early sets.
However, Gauff displayed greater stability in the final set, holding serve throughout to take control of the match. Her effectiveness on return proved to be the deciding factor, as she won a considerable number of points while serving against her opponent. The American capped off the match strongly, winning eight of the last nine points on serve to secure her victory and retain her unbeaten record against Cirstea.
Gauff will now square off against Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals after the Swiss player delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Amanda Anisimova. Bencic, seeded 12th, maintained control throughout the match, marking her 12th WTA 1000 quarterfinal and second in Miami, having previously reached the semifinals in 2022. She now aims for consecutive wins over Top 10 opponents in this high-stakes encounter against Gauff.
Point of View
The Miami Open is showcasing the continued dominance of Aryna Sabalenka and the rising star of Coco Gauff. Their performances not only highlight the depth of talent in women's tennis but also set the stage for exciting matchups ahead, particularly Gauff's encounter with Bencic, which promises to be a thrilling contest.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Aryna Sabalenka defeat to reach the quarterfinals?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Zheng Qinwen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
What is Coco Gauff's next matchup?
Coco Gauff will face Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals.
How many consecutive quarterfinals has Sabalenka reached?
Sabalenka has reached 15 consecutive WTA quarterfinals.
Who did Hailey Baptiste defeat to advance?
Hailey Baptiste defeated Jelena Ostapenko with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Which player has the record for most WTA 1000 quarterfinals?
Victoria Azarenka holds the record for most WTA 1000 quarterfinals among active players.
