Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominant performance on Thursday, defeating Bulgaria`s Viktoriya Tomova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0, in under an hour. Sabalenka showcased exceptional ball-striking on the Hard Rock Stadium court, breaking Tomova`s serve six times out of seven.
In the upcoming third round, Sabalenka is set to face qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Saturday. Ruse advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Magdalena Frech. This will be the first encounter between Sabalenka and Ruse.
Sabalenka is having a remarkable season, marked by both successes and disappointments. She boasts an impressive 18-4 win record, second only to Mirra Andreeva in victories this year. She has also extended her lead over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek to over 2,200 points. While she started the year with a title win in Brisbane, she experienced final losses in two major prestigious tournaments: against Madison Keys at the Australian Open and more recently against 17-year-old Andreeva at Indian Wells.
“I am satisfied with my season so far,” Sabalenka told reporters. “Losing in two significant finals is tough, but I see it as a learning opportunity rather than a major setback. I feel my tennis is constantly improving.”
“Naturally, winning the title is the ultimate goal in Miami for every player. I hope to maintain my level of play from Indian Wells and improve in the final stages of tournaments. Perhaps by being less stressed and more focused on my game during those crucial moments. I`m taking it one match at a time.”
Miami holds a special place for Sabalenka as her home. She enjoys the atmosphere and the comfort of not living out of a suitcase during the tournament. Despite having seven WTA 1000 titles, none have been won in Miami. Her best Miami Open results were quarterfinal appearances in 2021 and 2023.
Sabalenka`s aggressive playing style has proven highly effective, contributing to her 30th consecutive week as world No. 1. However, she admits to avoiding watching videos of her own matches on YouTube.
“I appreciate myself, but not to that extent,” she joked. “Honestly, I can`t watch myself. Seeing my grunts, yells, screams, and racquet throws makes me think, ‘Oh my God, is that really me?’”
Indeed, that is Aryna Sabalenka, and it`s likely to remain so in the near future.
Dominic Ashworth 
Jasper Hawthorne