MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In a historic moment for Italian tennis, Jasmine Paolini has reached the semifinals of the Miami Open for the first time, overcoming unseeded Magda Linette of Poland in a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Paolini's triumph on March 25, 2025, marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Italian woman to make the final four in the tournament's history. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that several Italian women have competed in the earlier rounds, with Martina Trevisan being the most recent to reach the quarterfinals in 2023.
"This victory means so much to me," said Paolini in a post-match interview. Her performance showcased her determination and skill, as she handled Linette's gameplay with confidence. She will now face either top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka or ninth-seeded Qinwen Zheng in the semifinals, both of whom were scheduled to compete later that day.
On the other side of the draw, Aryna Sabalenka also made headlines with her aggressive play at the tournament. The top seed defeated defending champion Danielle Collins in a solid 6-4, 6-4 match. Sabalenka, whose roots are now firmly planted in Miami, expressed her enthusiasm for playing at her home turf. "I love it!" she exclaimed. "I love to stay home. It's really nice to do my laundry… driving my car! Being at home, going to my favorite places, and to be in this environment - not, like, chill but a cozy and comfy environment. It's pretty cool, and I'm happy. I'm happy I have a house here and I'm based here so I can feel this atmosphere during a tournament," reported by Express.co.uk.
As the tournament progresses, Sabalenka will be aiming to maintain her flawless run, having yet to drop a set throughout the event. Her next challenge will be against Qinwen Zheng, who has impressed many with her gameplay. This highly anticipated quarterfinal match comes after Zheng's own successful matches, putting her in contention to challenge Sabalenka for a spot in the finals.
In addition to these key matchups, the women's tournament draws considerable attention as fans eagerly await other quarterfinal action. On March 26, 2025, fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula is set to clash with British star Emma Raducanu, while second-seeded Iga Swiatek will take on Alexandra Eala from the Philippines. These exciting matches are expected to draw significant crowds as the competitors aim for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The Miami Open continues to showcase thrilling tennis, with Paolini and Sabalenka making significant strides in their standings. As the tournament nears its conclusion, the excitement builds for both players and fans alike. The path to the semifinals promises to be captivating as remaining players strive for glory on the hard courts of Miami.
