World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has cruised into her first Miami Open final with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini.
Sabalenka won 77 per cent of her first-serve points, fired down six aces, saved all four break points faced and converted four of her five break point chances during the 71-minute match.
The Belarusian top seed, who resides in South Florida and arrived in Miami fresh off a runner-up finish at Indian Wells, has not dropped a set in her five matches.
“Super-happy that I was able to give myself another chance, another final, another opportunity to hold a trophy,” Sabalenka said.
“She’s an incredible player so I knew I would have to work for every point.
“I focused on my serve and tried to hit as low as possible because she hits flat. Super-happy with the level I played.”
Up next for Sabalenka will be the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between American fourth seed Jessica Pegula and Philippine wildcard Alexandra Eala, who is coming off a stunning upset of Polish world No.2 Iga Swiatek.
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