Top seeds Zverev, Sabalenka advance at Miami Open

Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot against Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania (Photo credits: AFP)

World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the last 16 at the Miami Open when Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired injured on Saturday, while men’s top seed Alexander Zverev beat Jacob Fearnley 6-2 6-4 to reach the third round.
Sabalenka, who arrived in Miami fresh off a defeat in last week’s Indian Wells final, wrapped up the first set 6-1 before Romanian Ruse was forced to retire with a right thigh injury.
Up next for three-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will be American defending Miami champion Danielle Collins, who beat Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-4 3-6 6-3.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka prevailed 7-6(6) 3-6 6-4 against American wildcard Hailey Baptiste and will play Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, who advanced when Ons Jabeur retired with a left leg injury while trailing 4-3 in the first set.
Osaka, who returned to action in January 2024 after a 15-month break during which she had a baby, said her fitness level is better now than it was in 2021 when she won the most recent of her four Grand Slam titles.
Reuters