World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she was surprised when tournament organizers considered canceling her Miami Open match against Ann Li of the United States. She explained that she was asked to change the pitch to avoid delaying the planned night session with the high-profile match between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca after the rain.
Organizers ended up moving her match to a less prominent court rather than starting it later in the main stadium, which Sabalenkova called unexpected given her status as the top-ranked player and defending champion.
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She said it was the first time she had encountered such a situation and expressed genuine surprise at the possibility of canceling or relocating her match, before finally choosing a suitable alternative.
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“I was actually shocked that they even considered canceling my fight. They gave me several options for stadiums and I was like, ‘But what’s the problem with Alcaraz and Fonseca starting later?’ Last night he started at 9 and then he played Mirra, so I was really surprised by the idea of canceling my match,” Sabalenka told reporters.
Sabalenkova, who recently won the Indian Wells Masters, ultimately decided to play on Friday, preferring a day off to prepare for her second match.
“I decided to play today so that in case of victory I would have a day off and time to prepare and recharge my energy. Honestly, I was shocked, but I’m glad they gave me options to choose what’s best for me,” added Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenkova was shocked that the Miami Open is considering canceling her match
“I was actually shocked that they were considering canceling my match or giving me multiple stadium options. I was like ‘What’s the problem with Alcaraz & Fonseca starting later?’
pic.twitter.com/gyAQaH2sbw— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 21, 2026
HOW SABALENKA Fought ANN LII
Sabalenka secured a hard-fought second-round victory over Ann Li, winning 76 (5), 64 in a match that lasted about an hour and 42 minutes. She battled through a tight first set tie-break before gaining control and holding on in the second set to close out the win in straight sets.
The defending champion proved resilient against Li’s aggressive play and occasional break opportunities, ultimately relying on her experience and strength to advance.
With the win, Sabalenka extends her impressive run at WTA 1000 tournaments and advances to the third round, where she will face American Caty McNally. The two have no previous professional history against each other, which promises to be a fresh and interesting matchup in the early stages of the tournament.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
21 March 2026 23:47 IST
