Sabalenka vs Zheng: Miami Open R16 Preview, Scores & Updates
Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are set to clash in the Round of 16 at the Miami Open, continuing a burgeoning rivalry that has seen the World No. 1 Sabalenka dominate the majority of their encounters. Both players secured victories in their third-round matches Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, though in markedly different fashions.
Sabalenka, fresh off her triumph at the BNP Paribas Open, dispatched American Caty McNally 6-4, 6-2. The match followed a similar pattern to her previous round against Ann Li, where Sabalenka initially built a lead only to spot it challenged by her opponent. She needed six deuces to hold serve in a crucial ninth game of the first set, ultimately breaking McNally to close it out. Sabalenka then secured four consecutive games from a 2-2 tie in the second set to finish the match in one hour and 25 minutes.
Zheng, meanwhile, staged a comeback against No. 15 seed Madison Keys, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 17 minutes. The victory marked a significant milestone for Zheng, representing her first win over a Top 20 ranked player since Roland Garros last spring. It also signaled a return to form for the Chinese player, who has been working her way back to peak condition following elbow surgery last year.
Zheng admitted to struggling with the pace of Keys’ shots early in the match. “The ball was just like a bomb for me at the beginning. I couldn’t react. I haven’t had this speed of match in a long time,” she said after the match. Despite falling behind, Zheng ultimately overwhelmed Keys with her offensive firepower, finishing the match with 31 winners – double the number recorded by her opponent. She created 13 break point opportunities in the final two sets, converting four of them, and successfully defended 10 of 11 break points against her.
Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge Zheng presents, despite her favorable head-to-head record. “I’ll focus on myself. I’ll focus on my game. I’ll try to stay focused from the first point ’til the last,” she stated. “She’s an incredible player. We played a lot of matches. I have a good record against her but it doesn’t say anything. It’s always tough battles. I’m always looking forward to play her. It’s always a fight and I really enjoy it.”
Zheng secured her first victory against Sabalenka in Rome last May, breaking a six-match losing streak. She will be aiming to build on that success as she attempts to halt Sabalenka’s bid for a second consecutive Miami Open title and the Sunshine Double.