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Aryna Sabalenka couldn't suppress her amusement when an interviewer praised her performance in the fourth round of the Miami Open.
The Belarusian registered a convincing win over reigning Dubai champion Barbora Krejcikova on Monday, finishing the job 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and six minutes. Sabalenka has now reached the quarterfinals in Miami for the second time in her career.
During her post-match interview, a jubilant Sabalenka couldn't hold back her mirth as the reporter hailed her brilliant start to the 2023 season.
"Wow, that's a tough question, I mean, I got lost in your questions," Sabalenka said after the interviewer asked whether being a Grand Slam Champion and feeling confident helps with wins in tournaments like Miami.
The 24-year-old has already chalked up 20 wins from 22 matches this year, which includes her maiden Slam at the Australian Open. She is yet to drop a set in Miami and will be determined to make the most of her rich vein of form.
Sabalenka spoke about having faith in her game and hailed the fans and her team's contributions towards her wins.
"I don't like the word feelings, I have a really strong belief in myself and my game. I have such great support from the fans and my team and that's the most important," Sabalenka said in her post-match interview.
Aryna Sabalenka to square off against Sorana Cirstea in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open
Aryna Sabalenka will square off against Sorana Cirstea in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open on Wednesday. The duo have never faced each other on the WTA tour, so their head-to-head is currently 0-0.
Sabalenka has scored potent wins over the likes of Shelby Rogers, Marie Bouzkova and Barbora Krejcikova en route to the last eight. Cirstea, meanwhile, has booked her spot by outfoxing quality players such as Caroline Garcia, Karolina Muchova and Marketa Vondrosouva.
Sabalenka will enter the quarterfinal as a heavy favorite on paper, but Cirstea could possibly make things tricky for her. The Romanian has lost just once in her last nine matches, and seems to be in solid touch at the moment.
The winner of this tie would square off against either Petra Kvitova or Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals.
