Sabalenka survives Ann Li challenge in Miami title-defence opener

Aryna Sabalenka began her Miami Open title defence by defeating Ann Li 7–6(5), 6–4. The one-hour-forty-two-minute second-round match gave her a seventh consecutive win as she attempted to follow an Indian Wells championship with another successful tournament in Florida.

Li erased a 4–1 deficit in the opening set and saved seven break points while holding for 4–4. She led midway through the tiebreak, but Sabalenka won four of its final five points to regain control of the match.

Three consecutive breaks opened the second set before Sabalenka protected her advantage, losing only four service points thereafter. Her next opponent was Caty McNally, who defeated Wang Xinyu in three sets after opening with a win over Rebeka Masarova.