Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the Miami Open last 16 after a dominant start against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who retired due to injury. The world number one took the first set 6-1 before the Romanian pulled out with a thigh problem in the opening game of the second set.

Naomi Osaka faced a tougher challenge in her match against American wild card Hailey Baptiste. The four-time Grand Slam champion had to dig deep in a nearly three-hour battle.

Baptiste, ranked 98th, was on the verge of an upset when she led 4-3 in the final set, but Osaka responded with resilience. She held serve, broke Baptiste again, and closed out a 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-4 victory—the longest women’s match of the tournament so far.

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Coco Gauff, on the other hand, had no such struggles. The world number three and third seed continued her impressive form with a straight set win over Maria Sakkari. After a stunning 6-0 6-0 demolition of Sofia Kenin in the previous round, Gauff powered through to a 6-2 6-4 victory, reaching the Miami Open last 16 for the third time.

Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini also moved forward after Tunisian star Ons Jabeur retired injured. Jabeur was trailing 4-3 in the first set when she was forced to withdraw, sending Paolini through to the next round.

With key contenders like Sabalenka, Osaka, and Gauff still in the mix, the competition is heating up. As the Miami Open progresses, the battle for the title promises more intense clashes and thrilling performances.

Reported by BBC