Imperious Aryna Sabalenka dethrones Danielle Collins to charge into Miami Open quarters

Aryna Sabalenka knocks out defending champion Danielle Collins and powers into the Miami Open quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The World No. 1 extended her commanding head-to-head record against the American to 7-0 and set up another clash with Zheng Qinwen.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion dominated behind her powerful serve, firing 7 aces and winning 68% of her service points. Although Collins fought back late in the match, it was Sabalenka who delivered when it mattered most to seal the win.

One of the day’s most anticipated matchups saw defending champion Collins take on Sabalenka. The Belarusian entered as the favourite and struck first, breaking her opponent in the third game. Sabalenka went on a streak of 10 consecutive points, turning a 0-1 deficit into a 3-1 lead.

However, Collins fought back, breaking Sabalenka to level the set at 3-3. The American took risks with aggressive shots, trying to shorten the rallies and prevent Sabalenka from taking control. But unforced errors crept into Collins’ game, and Sabalenka capitalised to break again, reclaiming the lead.

This time, Sabalenka kept her composure and closed out the set on serve, 6-4, winning 61% of her service points compared to Collins’ 54%. The World No. 1 proved better in crucial moments, converting two of her three break point opportunities.

Sabalenka earned a crucial break in the opening game — after Collins saved three break points — giving her an advantage she wouldn’t relinquish. As Collins improved her service games, Sabalenka had fewer chances to break again.

It became a test of nerves, with Collins creating pressure on Sabalenka’s serve at times. Still, the Belarusian found big serves when she needed them most, hitting five aces in the set and winning 83% of points behind her first serve.

At 5-3, Collins saved a couple of match points on her serve in impressive fashion, but she couldn’t complete the comeback. Sabalenka held firm and secured a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory. This marks her third Miami Open quarterfinal appearance — though she’s never advanced past this stage.

In the quarterfinals, she’ll once again face Zheng Qinwen, whom she has defeated in all five of their previous encounters. The Chinese player has rediscovered her form during the Sunshine Double, reaching the quarterfinals here just as she did at Indian Wells.