Aryna Sabalenka hails 'amazing performance' as she downs Barbora Krejcikova at Miami Open, Andreescu pulls out
:focal(178x132:180x130)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/04/03/3673848-74785904-310-310.jpg)
Updated 29/03/2023 at 09:56 GMT
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is not unaware of how well she is playing at the moment, and the 24-year-old was left to bask in her own brilliance as she reflected on the "really great tennis" that saw her defeat Barbora Krejcikova in comprehensive fashion on Monday night. Sabalenka was in stunning form again as she defeated the doughty Krejcikova with some inspired play.
'I still feel like I'm on another planet' - Sabalenka shows off Aus Open trophy
Aryna Sabalenka hailed her "amazing performance" as she downed Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals at the Miami Open on Monday evening.
The world No. 2 secured her 20th victory of the season with a hugely impressive 6-3 6-2 win against the former French Open champion at Hard Rock Stadium in what was their third encounter already this year.
Sabalenka, who will next take on Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the last eight, defeated the No. 16 seed in style to take her record this campaign to 20-2 - a reflection of her dominance that has included her triumph at Melbourne Park.
"It was an amazing performance from me," Sabalenka said. "I think I played really great tennis today.
"I'm super happy with the level, especially against a player like Barbora. They are always tough matches against her.
"I think in the last two matches I won the first set, and every time in the second set I would get crazy on court and talk to myself, lose it a little bit.
"Today, I tried to stay focused no matter what, keep doing my thing, and focus on myself.
"I think because of my serve today there was a lot of pressure on her. The key today was definitely my serve because I could play with more freedom on her serve. I could play closer to the lines and just go for it."
Cirstea will have the unenviable challenge of taking on Sabalenka next after she defeated Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets, 7-6(3) 6-4 to reach her first quarter-final in Miami.
"I think at the moment we have a great top three in my mind, with [Iga] Swiatek, Sabalenka, and [Elena] Rybakina," Cirstea said.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/03/21/3664823-74605388-2560-1440.png)
'Raducanu has only one place to go... and that's up' - Evert
"They are playing outstanding. I think it's great to see a match-up week-to-week. Definitely, they are taking tennis to a new level this year.
"I know it's going to be very tough, but I've been winning a lot of matches this American swing and I have confidence. I know what I can play."
Elsewhere, there was huge disappointment for Bianca Andreescu after her run came to an abrupt halt as she was forced to retire from her match against Ekaterina Alexandrova with the scoreline 7-6(0) 0-2.
Andreescu was left heartbroken as she suffered a left ankle injury and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair as her opponent paid tribute to her efforts.
"I’m just really sorry that it happened to [Andreescu]," Alexandrova said. "Seeing her on the court in so much pain, it’s just painful to watch. You cannot help, you can do nothing, which is terrible.
"I think she’s going to be fine soon, and I’m wishing for her speedy recovery. The first set was super tough and great, and it probably could be a pretty good match for both of us, but unfortunately [Andreescu’s injury] happened."
- - -
Stream the 2023 French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/2240.png)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/4387.png)