Miami, March 28 (H.S.): World number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka reached her first Miami Open final by defeating Italy's sixth-seeded Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday.

Sabalenka delivered a brilliant performance in the match, winning 77 percent of points on her first serve, hitting six aces, and saving all four of her break points. Additionally, she capitalized on four out of five break points and secured the victory in just 71 minutes.

The Belarusian top seed, who resides in South Florida, has not lost a single set in this tournament so far. She arrived in Miami as the Indian Wells runner-up.

Sabalenka said, I am very happy with my performance today. I am really excited to reach the Miami Open final for the first time.

Throughout the match, Sabalenka never fell behind, and the score was only tied at 1-1 once in both sets.

She further added, I can say that this was one of the best matches of the season. I don't know, but I was completely focused on my game. It felt like everything was going in my favor.

In the final, Sabalenka will face the winner of the second semifinal. This match will feature fourth-seeded American player Jessica Pegula against wildcard entry Alexandra Eala from the Philippines. Eala had previously secured a shocking victory by defeating Poland's world number two Iga Swiatek in the last round.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar