Aryna Sabalenka. Screengrab/wtatennis.com
MINSK, 21 March (BelTA) – Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka made a winning start at the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami, USA, which boasts a $9.4 million prize fund, BelTA has learned.
In the round of 32, the reigning Miami Open champion and world No. 1 defeated American Ann Li (world No. 39) 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. In the third round, Sabalenka will face American Caty McNally (world No. 72).
Another Belarusian, Aliaksandra Sasnovich (world No. 116) made it into the main draw through qualifying but lost in the first round to Spain’s Paula Badosa (No. 100), 5-7, 3-6.
The winner of the 2026 Miami Open will be determined on 29 March. The champion will earn more than $1.1 million and 1,000 ranking points. In 2025, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula of the USA in the final, 7-5, 6-2. Belarusian Victoria Azarenka has won this tournament three times (2009, 2011, 2016).
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