The Miami Open witnessed a dramatic Saturday evening as four of the WTA’s Top 10 players were eliminated in a series of thrilling matches.
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, still reeling from the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend, fell to Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina in a three-set battle. Kalinina, the No. 32 seed, prevailed 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, setting up a fourth-round clash with Yulia Putintseva.
Sixth-ranked Ons Jabeur suffered her fourth consecutive defeat, losing 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to Elina Avanesyan. The 21-year-old Avanesyan will face Danielle Collins in the next round.
Seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen was outplayed by three-time Miami champion Victoria Azarenka, who posted a 6-4, 7-5 victory. Azarenka will now face Katie Boulter, who upset 11th-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Anna Kalinskaya, the Dubai finalist and Australian Open quarterfinalist, continued her impressive form by defeating world No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-1.
Elena Rybakina, last year’s runner-up, survived a tough challenge from Taylor Townsend, winning 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. Rybakina will now face 17th seed Madison Keys.
The remaining Top 10 players, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Caroline Garcia, all advanced to the fourth round.
