Miami Open second-round scores roundup: Aryna Sabalenka among the winners
By Lee Vowell
The Miami Open is into round three on the WTA side and round two on the ATP (tennis likes to make things confusing), and we continue to see upsets. On Saturday, Ben Shelton and Leylah Fernandez lost. But more on that in a second.
What happened in the early part of the day on Saturday? Don't worry, we have that information for you. Just know there was a lot of fun.
The biggest loser of the Miami Open so far has clearly been Carlos Alcaraz, though. He could have made major inroads on the top ranking with a good spring while Jannik Sinner served his suspension. Oddly, Sinner might come back to a bigger point lead after not playing for three months.
Early results from the Miami Open on Day 5 (or Day 4 depending on who is counting)
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-1 1-0
That score is correct. Ruse, unfortunately, struggled with an injury and took a long medical timeout after the first set. She retired after being broken to start the second set, but let's be real. Sabalenka was far too powerful against the German, and Ruse is scheduled to play another tournament next week. It is better to rest a bit than go through the motions of being destroyed by the Belarusian.
Ashlyn Krueger defeats Leylah Fernandez 6-1 7-5
Don't look now (OK, look now), but the 20-year-old American is having the tournament of her life. She has immense power, and she could easily become a dangerous player on the WTA tour, just like Fernandez, who was simply not ready for Krueger's power from the start.
Jasmine Paolini beats Ons Jabeur 4-3
Sadly, we have likely seen the best of Jabeur a couple of years ago. She came close to winning a major, but could never push through. She is one of the more likable players in tennis, but she has struggled with injury and form for more than a year now.
Alexander Zverev defeats Jacob Fearnley 6-2 6-4
The best player of his generation not to win a Grand Slam (yet), Zverev has a clear back to the title after the shocking loss of Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. Zverev made the semifinals in Miami last year, so he could easily pick up points here. There is no excuse not to.
Taylor Fritz dispatches Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(2) 6-3
Fritz played a tight first set that made it appear as if he might be the second American on Saturday to suffer an upset. Ben Shelton lost earlier to Coleman Wong in three sets. But Fritz elevated his play in the second set and rushed by the Italian.