World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled back in the second set to blast her way into the semifinals of the Miami Open with a 6-2, 7-5 win over China’s Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday.
The victory gives Sabalenka her first place in the last four at Miami, with a clash against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini standing between her and a place in the final.
It looked like it was going to be routine business for the Belarussian against the ninth-seed Zheng when Sabalenka took the first set comfortably.
But Zheng had worked something out between sets and came out firing, breaking Sabalenka twice to open up a 4-2 lead in the set.
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Sabalenka was in real trouble at 0-40 down but, after some signs of anger, was able to fight back to hold for 4-4 and then turned her aggression into a powerful finale.
With some blistering returns, the top-seed broke to go 6-5 and then with her serve at full force, confidently held to secure the win.
“Honestly, every match is tough against her, I always have to work really hard to get the win, and today was an incredible level from both of us,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m super happy to get this win. I’m super happy with the way I handled all the emotions and handled the pressure,” she added.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com