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Sabalenka steamrolls modest Italian opposition

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Aryna Sabalenka spent just an hour and a quarter in dispatching Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-2 on Monday and now faces a British outsider in a bid for the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.

The world No. 1 brushed aside any challenge from the 62nd-ranked Bronzetti and now will bid for the last eight against unknown Sonay Kartal.

The No. 83 entered the draw as a lucky loser when Sloane Stephens withdrew before the event with a foot injury.

She has progressed to the business end of the event with three straight set wins, the most recent a 7-5, 6-3 result over Polina Kudermetova.

Sabalenka broke Bronzetti five times in her pro forma third-round rout. The top seed lost the 2023 final here to Elena Rybakina 

She will retain the top ranking despite any result this week as the lengthy event wraps up on Sunday.

Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka beating Lucia Bronzetti – by WTATennis.com

Dubai

Andreeva sister showdown ended by injury

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Mirra Andreeva advanced 6-2, 6-0 on Wednesday at the WTA Stuttgart event when her big sister Erika was forced to quit their match with a right knee injury.

Her 17-year-old sibling advanced to the last 16 on the indoor clay in this German car-making capital in 41 minutes,

Erika, a lucky loser from qualifying, held the edge in the sister series after a Tour win last autumn in Wuhan.

She needed a visit from the trainer for her strapped knee at the first changeover of the match and was never in with a chance against her sister, ranked seventh in the world.

Mirra, winner of back-to-back 1000-level titles this season in Dubai and Indian Wells, said her 20-year-old sibling led her into tennis

“”She started playing some tournaments and she showed me the way. Because of her, it was easier for me to start playing bigger tournaments right away.”

Mirra said it felt strange facing her close relative. “I honestly have weird emotions,. I should be a little bit happy that I won the match, but still I’m super sad it ended like that.”

The win came on the birthday of Mirra’s coach Conchita Martinez, who was serenaded by the crowd post-match.

Main photo:-Erika and Mirra Andreeva – by WTATennis.com

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Indian wells

Sabalenka wins Miami with 3rd defeat of Pegula

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Aryna Sabalenka shook off a one-hours rain delay as she defeated Jessica Pegula for the third time in a row, winning the Miami Masters on Saturday 7-5, 6-2.

The world No. 1 kept a firm grip on the top ranking spot after dismissing her American opponent after finals wins over Pegula in Cincinnati and New York last season.

Victory in just under 90 minutes was the second title of the season for Sabalenka, who lost 2025 finals at the Australian Open and earlier this month at Indian Wells to teenaged Mirra Andreeva.

The final began an hour late due to rain in South Florida.

Sabalenka broke on six of her 14 chances while dropping her own serve four times.

Sabalenka finally lifted the trophy here on her seventh appearance after reaching quarter-finals in 2021 and 2023.

The winner claimed her eighth title at the 1000 level while improving her record over Pegula to 7-2.

Sabalenka owns 19 career trophies including back-to-back Australian Opens and the US Open last September.

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ATP

Djoko closes in on his magic 100th title

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Novak Djokovic moved to within one victory of his record 100th career title, with the Serb hammering out a 6-2, 6-3 defeat of longtime rival Grigor Dimitrov on Friday to reach the final at the Miami Masters.

Former world No. 1 Djokovic, holder of the record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, will join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) in the 100 club if he can win the South Florida title match in 48 hours.

Djokovic reached the Sunday final without losing a set in south Florida; he has now defeated Dimitrov in 13 of their 14 career meetings.

The 37-year-old Serb had a match point chance in the penultimate game on his opponent’s serve, which Dimitrov saved with a crisp service winner.

But Djokovic wrapped up victory a game later after 69 minutes to keep his eye on the prize as he reached his eighth Miami final and his first here in nine years.

He will be competing in his 60th masters 1000 final after his first 18 years ago in Indian Wells.

The winner again credited his serve with paving the way to victory as he finished with just five unforced errors.

Djokovic was watched in the stands by Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.

“I think it’s my firs time playing live in front of him,” the winner, who called his serve “the highlight of the match.” said.

“Serving well makes my life so much easier on court.”

Djokovic said that since winning his last title at the Paris Olympic last summer. he has been concentrating on cracking his trophy century.

“I’ve known at every tournament since then that I’m going for 100. Hopefully, I’ll achieve that on Sunday.

“My tennis now is as good as it’s been in a long time.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic celebrates in Miami – by ISF Ltd

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