Aryna Sabalenka, who arrived in Miami fresh off a defeat in the Indian Wells final just last week, dominated the first set 6-1 before her opponent, Romanian Ana Bogdan, was forced to retire due to a right thigh injury.
The three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will now face American Danielle Collins, the defending Miami champion, who secured a victory over Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova in a close- match, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Former world number one, Naomi Osaka, showcased her resilience in a tight contest against American wildcard Hailey Baptiste, winning 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4. Osaka will go on to play Italian sixth seed Jasmine Paolini in the next round, who advanced when Ons Jabeur retired hurt while trailing 4-3 in the opening set due to a left leg injury.
Making her return to the tour in January 2024 after a 15-month hiatus, during which she gave birth to her first child, Osaka expressed that her current fitness level surpasses that of 2021 when she clinched her fourth Grand Slam title.
“I feel fitter than I did in 2021. To be honest, the COVID lockdown set me back quite a bit. I wasn’t very active during that time,” Osaka admitted.
“But yes, in terms of fitness, I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve been in years.”
Third seed Coco Gauff continued her impressive form, dispatching Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-4. Meanwhile, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen booked her place in the next round with a commanding 6-1, 7-6(3) victory over Taylor Townsend.
Local favorite Ashlyn Krueger caused an upset by defeating 26th seed and former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, setting up a clash with Zheng.
In the men’s draw
Alexander Zverev, the German top seed, comfortably defeated British qualifier Liam Fearnley. Zverev combined a strong serve with baseline dominance, saving both break points he faced during the 74-minute match.
Following his early exit at Indian Wells, Zverev was pleased with his improved performance, achieving a German record of 145 Masters 1000 wins, surpassing Tommy Haas. He will face Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the next round.
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| Alexander Zverev in action during his second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open on March 7, 2025, in Indian Wells, CA. |
“I’m glad to have made some improvements since Indian Wells, where I didn’t feel at my best on the court,” Zverev shared with reporters.
“Hopefully, this is just the start, and I can continue playing well and have a deep run here.”
However, Indian Wells champion Jack Draper suffered an early exit, falling to Czech player Jakub Mensik in two tight sets, 7-6(2), 7-6(3).
The match was briefly interrupted when a large crowd of Brazilian fans, eagerly awaiting Joao Fonseca’s match against Ugo Humbert, expressed their frustration at the last-minute decision to move the match to the main stadium.
The disappointed fans, who had waited for hours at Grandstand, voiced their displeasure as they exited the venue. However, they soon had reason to celebrate as Fonseca defeated Humbert 6-4, 6-3 in an impressive display.
“I was really happy with the decision to move the match to the main stadium because I had already played there in the first round, so I was familiar with the court and the atmosphere,” said the 18-year-old Fonseca.
“I knew there would be a lot of Brazilians in the crowd, and their support is incredible. It’s an honor to hear them cheer my name after each win.”
Elsewhere in the draw, Reilly Opelka mounted a comeback to defeat Danish 11th seed Holger Rune 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5). With Draper, Alcaraz, and Medvedev all exiting the tournament, there are no Indian Wells semi-finalists remaining in the men’s draw.
Hong Kong wildcard Coleman Wong caused an upset by defeating 13th seed Ben Shelton in a thrilling three-setter, 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5). Canada’s Denis Shapovalov and American third seed Taylor Fritz also advanced to set up a highly anticipated third-round clash.
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