Staff Reporter.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated the defending champion Danielle Collins 6-4, 6-4 for her third Miami Open quarterfinal appearance.
Continuing her dominance against the dangerous Collins, Sabalenka improved to 7-0 lifetime against the former all-American.
“I think I served pretty well, and until the end of the second set, I was returning it pretty well and put so much pressure on her,” Sabalenka said.
“It’s always intense matches against Danielle.”
Sabalenka will face No. 9 Zheng Qinwen of China for a spot in the semifinals. Zheng advanced with a straight-sets win over No. 40 Ashlyn Krueger of the United States in her Round of 16 match.
She will be a heavy favourite against Zheng, who has never beaten the Belarusian in their five previous career meetings.
Earlier Monday, No. 7 Jasmine Paolini of Italy beat No. 61 Naomi Osaka of Japan 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.