Aryna Sabalenka was thrilled about the “amazing performance” she delivered in a 6-3 6-2 Miami Open round-of-16 win over Barbora Krejcikova.
In February, Sabalenka was up by a set and a break before Krejcikova stunningly recovered to win 0-6 7-6 (2) 6-1.
Two weeks ago in Miami, Sabalenka managed to beat Krejcikova but not without drama 6-3 2-6 6-4.
This time, Sabalenka said she did not want “to get crazy” after winning the first set against Krejcikova.
“It was an amazing performance from me. I think I played really great tennis today. I’m super happy with the level, especially against a player like Barbora. They are always tough matches against her. I think in the last two matches I won the first set, and every time in the second set I would get crazy on court and talk to myself, lose it a little bit. Today, I tried to stay focused no matter what, keep doing my thing, and focus on myself. I think because of my serve today there was a lot of pressure on her. The key today was definitely my serve because I could play with more freedom on her serve. I could play closer to the lines and just go for it,” Sabalenka said after the match.
How Sabalenka beat Krejcikova?
The first break points of the match were seen in the sixth game, when Sabalenka broke Krejcikova for a 4-2 lead.
After earning the first break of the match, Sabalenka also saved a break point in the seventh game to open a 5-2 lead.
In the eighth game, Sabalenka had a set point on Krejcikova’s serve but didn’t convert.
Sabalenka maybe failed to close out the first set on Krejcikova’s serve but she routinely served out for the opener in the ninth game.
After losing the first set, Krejcikova served out the opening game of the second set.
Then, Sabalenka went on a big run as the Belarusian claimed back-to-back breaks and won five consecutive games to open a comfortable 5-1 lead.
In the eighth game, Sabalenka converted her first match point to complete a two-set win.
Sabalenka plays next against Sorana Cirstea.
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