Sabalenka had a tough debut at the Miami Open, suffered against Li and earned her ticket to the third round

Here is the number 1 in the world! Aryna Sabalenkarecent Indian Wells champion and leader of the WTA circuit, had a tough debut in the American competition: defeated local tennis player Ann Li (39th) 7-6 (5) and 6-4in one hour and 42 minutes, and continued his victorious path on North American soil.

The Belarusian came with the experience of having established herself less than a week ago in California, in a tournament of the same category as the current one, with six consecutive victories. Thus, he arrived in Miami to continue with the dream of the Sunshine Double and the first step was done. However, not before having to work a little harder.

The reason for the latter? The tough first set, where Li was always running from behind, but managed to react, survive his eternal service turns and take everything to the tiebreaker. In total, he saved 12 break points! This caused, on several occasions, impotence in Sabalenka.

Despite the resistance of the local tennis player, the enormous hierarchy of the current leader of women’s tennis weighed more. After winning the tiebreak 7-5, Aryna hit quickly again at the beginning of the second set and had options to stretch the advantage, although without success. Becoming strong with his serve, he ended up winning in two sets.

After celebrating in the debut of the Miami Open, Sabalenka reached the third round and will face a host player again: Catherine McNally (72nd).