Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Miami Open with a lower back injury, tournament organisers said on Tuesday, in the latest setback for the 21-year-old.

Raducanu spent eight months out with wrist and ankle problems last year but returned to action in January and had an encouraging performance at Indian Wells last week where she reached the third round.

"I have been experiencing lower back pain and at this stage of my return to competition I don’t want to risk anything happening," said Raducanu.

"I really tried my best to be ready and I’m sad to be pulling out of Miami as it’s a cool tournament but wish the event all the best."

The 2021 US Open winner, a wildcard entry at Miami, was scheduled to play China's Wang Xiyu in the first round on Tuesday.

Raducanu had surgeries on her ankle and both wrists during last year.

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She was beaten in the Indian Wells third round by world number two Aryna Sabalenka.

Wang will now face Slovakian qualifier Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

Tuesday's action sees Romanian Simona Halep return to action after her four-year doping ban was reduced to nine months and she was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an immediate return.

Halep, given a wildcard entry, will take on Spain's Paula Badosa.

Venus Williams takes on Russian Diana Shnaider in the first round.

Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Miami Open with a lower back injury, tournament organisers said on Tuesday, in the latest setback for the 21-year-old.

Britain's Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Miami Open with a lower back injury, tournament organisers said on Tuesday, in the latest setback for the 21-year-old. Raducanu spent eight months out with wrist and ankle problems last year but returned to action in January and had an encouraging performance at Indian Wells last week where she reached the third round. "I have been experiencing lower back pain and at this stage of my return to competition I don’t want to risk anything happening," said Raducanu. "I really tried my best to be ready and I’m sad to be pulling out of Miami as it’s a cool tournament but wish the event all the best." The 2021 US Open winner, a wildcard entry at Miami, was scheduled to play China's Wang Xiyu in the first round on Tuesday. Raducanu had surgeries on her ankle and both wrists during last year. ALSO READ | Fans in Hong Kong to receive 50% refund after Lionel Messi's absence during Inter Miami friendly She was beaten in the Indian Wells third round by world number two Aryna Sabalenka. Wang will now face Slovakian qualifier Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Tuesday's action sees Romanian Simona Halep return to action after her four-year doping ban was reduced to nine months and she was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an immediate return. Halep, given a wildcard entry, will take on Spain's Paula Badosa. Venus Williams takes on Russian Diana Shnaider in the first round.

Tennis: Britain’s Emma Raducanu withdraws from Miami Open with lower back injury

World number one Carlos Alcaraz charged into the quarter-finals of the ATP Miami Open with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over Tommy Paul on Tuesday but second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out by Russian Karen Khachanov.

Alcaraz, the defending Miami champion and also the winner at Indian Wells earlier this month, will face another American in the last eight when he comes up against Taylor Fritz.

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Paul came into the match having won his last 12 encounters with Spanish players, including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year, but he was unable to get a foothold in the contest.

It was the ninth straight victory for the 19-year-old Spaniard, who delighted a supportive South Florida crowd with his powerful strokes from the baseline and readiness to move forward, once again making use of his increasingly effective drop shot.

"I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to get through," said Alcaraz.

"I feel at home here. It is easy to play here in Miami with all the energy I receive every day."

Tsitsipas had to wait a week for his first contest in Miami, beating Chilean Cristian Garin on Monday, but he came unstuck against Khachanov, losing 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

The Greek has been troubled by a shoulder injury in recent weeks

In a clash of top-10 players, American Fritz defeated Denmark's Holger Rune&nbsp;6-3, 6-4 to reach to the last eight in Miami for the first time in his career.

Fritz, who won at Delray Beach last month, beat Emilio Nava&nbsp;and Denis Shapovalov in straight sets before Tuesday's encounter and he was pleased with the way he was able to go on the attack.

"I couldn't play aggressively in my first two matches because my opponents were hitting every ball as hard as they could. (Rune) still crushes the ball but it was nice to feel I had some more time," Fritz said.&nbsp;

"The first two rounds, it was impossible to play my game, I just had to make balls. Today when I got the chance to be aggressive I was and I just wanted to serve well and try not to give him many free points."

Italian Jannick Sinner&nbsp;also advanced to the last eight without dropping a set and he was in firm control from the outset against Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev, winning&nbsp;6-2, 6-4.

Sinner, who has never failed to reach the quarters in his three appearances in Miami, will face Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori&nbsp;after he beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Ruusuvuori was facing an exit after trailed by a break in the second set but from 4-3 down he won three straight games.

In the final set, the Finn grabbed the decisive break when 6-5 up in the third set to reach the last eight for the first time in this event.

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World number one Carlos Alcaraz charged into the quarter-finals of the ATP Miami Open with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over Tommy Paul on Tuesday but second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out by Russian Karen Khachanov.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz charged into the quarter-finals of the ATP Miami Open with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over Tommy Paul on Tuesday but second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out by Russian Karen Khachanov. Alcaraz, the defending Miami champion and also the winner at Indian Wells earlier this month, will face another American in the last eight when he comes up against Taylor Fritz. Also Read: IOC backs Russian, Belarusian athletes return as 'neutral' entries to events; no decision on Paris Olympics Paul came into the match having won his last 12 encounters with Spanish players, including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year, but he was unable to get a foothold in the contest. It was the ninth straight victory for the 19-year-old Spaniard, who delighted a supportive South Florida crowd with his powerful strokes from the baseline and readiness to move forward, once again making use of his increasingly effective drop shot. "I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to get through," said Alcaraz. "I feel at home here. It is easy to play here in Miami with all the energy I receive every day." Tsitsipas had to wait a week for his first contest in Miami, beating Chilean Cristian Garin on Monday, but he came unstuck against Khachanov, losing 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. The Greek has been troubled by a shoulder injury in recent weeks In a clash of top-10 players, American Fritz defeated Denmark's Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4 to reach to the last eight in Miami for the first time in his career. Fritz, who won at Delray Beach last month, beat Emilio Nava and Denis Shapovalov in straight sets before Tuesday's encounter and he was pleased with the way he was able to go on the attack. "I couldn't play aggressively in my first two matches because my opponents were hitting every ball as hard as they could. (Rune) still crushes the ball but it was nice to feel I had some more time," Fritz said. "The first two rounds, it was impossible to play my game, I just had to make balls. Today when I got the chance to be aggressive I was and I just wanted to serve well and try not to give him many free points." Italian Jannick Sinner also advanced to the last eight without dropping a set and he was in firm control from the outset against Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev, winning 6-2, 6-4. Sinner, who has never failed to reach the quarters in his three appearances in Miami, will face Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori after he beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. Ruusuvuori was facing an exit after trailed by a break in the second set but from 4-3 down he won three straight games. In the final set, the Finn grabbed the decisive break when 6-5 up in the third set to reach the last eight for the first time in this event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Miami Open: Carlos Alcaraz enters quarter-finals, Tsitsipas crashes out

World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas&nbsp;finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime.

There were no shortage of upsets at Hard Rock Stadium with 12th seeded American Francis Tiafoe beaten by 59th ranked Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets.

France's Adrian Mannarino beat seventh-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz and American qualifier Christopher Eubanks defeated Gregoire Barrere in straight sets.

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Tsitsipas arrived in Miami a week ago, had a first round bye and then had a walkover win in the second round when Richard Gasquet pulled out with injury.

"It has almost felt like a vacation this past week, staying in Miami. I glad I got started. It was a difficult match against an opponent who has played good tennis against good opponents in the past," said the Greek.

Tsitsipas has not be on court much in recent weeks. He withdrew from Acapulco due to a shoulder injury and was beaten in his opening match at Indian Wells this month.

The rest has, however, helped Tsitsipas to recover a little from his injury and although he was not at his sharpest, he did enough to book his place in the fourth round against Karen Khachanov.

Tsitsipas broke at 4-4 in the third set to make sure of his progress against the Chilean, who enjoyed plenty of support from the South Florida crowd.

Khachanov defeated Czech&nbsp;Jiri Lehecka&nbsp;6-2, 6-4 to reach the Miami last 16 for the first time.

Cerundolo was knocked out of Indian Wells in straight sets by Canadian Auger-Aliassime two weeks ago, but it was a very different game on the faster courts in South Florida.

The 25th-seeded Argentine was on top from the outset, taking the first set 6-2 and he kept his nerve to triumph 7-5 in the second.

Miami is a happy hunting ground for Cerundolo, who made a surprise run to the semi-finals last year, and he relished the vocal support from his fans in the crowd.

"That was another important win for me, I think I played really good from beginning to end," he said.

"It is super nice to play here, a lot of Argentinians, a lot of people, so I really enjoyed it. Last year was amazing, so I'm really excited to be in the round of 16 again and to try to keep winning," he added.

Exciting American Tiafoe was tipped by many observers to go deep in the tournament but he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sonego in a game disrupted by a second set rain delay of over an hour.

Mannarino, playing inventive tennis, beat Hurkacz 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/0) but will face a tricky test against the 26-year-old &nbsp;Eubanks who will break into the top 100 for the first time in his career thanks to his victory over 65th ranked Barrere, who had beaten Britain's Cam Norrie in the previous round.

<h2>Confident Halys</h2>

Eubanks trailed 6-2 in a second-set tie-break before a rain delay of more than an hour and he won seven of the next eight points for an emotional 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory.

French qualifier Quentin Halys hit 15 aces as he beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to set up a fourth round clash with world number five Daniil Medvedev.

Halys had never won a match at ATP 1000 level prior to this tournament but has beaten Spain's Pedro Martinez and Australian Alex de Minaur before taking out McDonald.

"I think I'm just the same player, I am just more confident, I know exactly what I have to do on court and I am very confident in my serve," Halys told AFP.

The 26-year-old said he has sharpened his mental approach to the game, handling better the disappointment of missing out on break opportunities against McDonald in the second set.

"I was still very focused, very positive after those games. Maybe in the past I was negative with myself and I am more positive now, maybe that is the key," said Halys who is ranked 79th in the world.

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World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime.

World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime. There were no shortage of upsets at Hard Rock Stadium with 12th seeded American Francis Tiafoe beaten by 59th ranked Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets. France's Adrian Mannarino beat seventh-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz and American qualifier Christopher Eubanks defeated Gregoire Barrere in straight sets. Also Read: FIFA to pay clubs whopping $355 million for sending players to 2026, 2030 World Cups Tsitsipas arrived in Miami a week ago, had a first round bye and then had a walkover win in the second round when Richard Gasquet pulled out with injury. "It has almost felt like a vacation this past week, staying in Miami. I glad I got started. It was a difficult match against an opponent who has played good tennis against good opponents in the past," said the Greek. Tsitsipas has not be on court much in recent weeks. He withdrew from Acapulco due to a shoulder injury and was beaten in his opening match at Indian Wells this month. The rest has, however, helped Tsitsipas to recover a little from his injury and although he was not at his sharpest, he did enough to book his place in the fourth round against Karen Khachanov. Tsitsipas broke at 4-4 in the third set to make sure of his progress against the Chilean, who enjoyed plenty of support from the South Florida crowd. Khachanov defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Miami last 16 for the first time. Cerundolo was knocked out of Indian Wells in straight sets by Canadian Auger-Aliassime two weeks ago, but it was a very different game on the faster courts in South Florida. The 25th-seeded Argentine was on top from the outset, taking the first set 6-2 and he kept his nerve to triumph 7-5 in the second. Miami is a happy hunting ground for Cerundolo, who made a surprise run to the semi-finals last year, and he relished the vocal support from his fans in the crowd. "That was another important win for me, I think I played really good from beginning to end," he said. "It is super nice to play here, a lot of Argentinians, a lot of people, so I really enjoyed it. Last year was amazing, so I'm really excited to be in the round of 16 again and to try to keep winning," he added. Exciting American Tiafoe was tipped by many observers to go deep in the tournament but he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sonego in a game disrupted by a second set rain delay of over an hour. Mannarino, playing inventive tennis, beat Hurkacz 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/0) but will face a tricky test against the 26-year-old Eubanks who will break into the top 100 for the first time in his career thanks to his victory over 65th ranked Barrere, who had beaten Britain's Cam Norrie in the previous round. Confident Halys Eubanks trailed 6-2 in a second-set tie-break before a rain delay of more than an hour and he won seven of the next eight points for an emotional 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory. French qualifier Quentin Halys hit 15 aces as he beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to set up a fourth round clash with world number five Daniil Medvedev. Halys had never won a match at ATP 1000 level prior to this tournament but has beaten Spain's Pedro Martinez and Australian Alex de Minaur before taking out McDonald. "I think I'm just the same player, I am just more confident, I know exactly what I have to do on court and I am very confident in my serve," Halys told AFP. The 26-year-old said he has sharpened his mental approach to the game, handling better the disappointment of missing out on break opportunities against McDonald in the second set. "I was still very focused, very positive after those games. Maybe in the past I was negative with myself and I am more positive now, maybe that is the key," said Halys who is ranked 79th in the world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Stefanos Tsitsipas finally gets Miami Open campaign underway with win

World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double."

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who beat Daniil Medvedev to win the title in Indian Wells last week, looked in top condition as he outclassed Lajovic in the first set to keep his Miami title defence on track.

But the Serb was able to provide some tension towards the end of the second set, breaking to make it 5-5 with Alcaraz paying the price for a sloppy return.

Alcaraz was 6-2 up in the tie-break, but Lajovic won the next three points before the Spaniard's big back-hand winner settled the 91-minute contest.

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"Everything was under control or I thought it was but, you know, in the match it's never easy," Alcaraz said.

"The nerves came out. I made a few mistakes that I hadn't done during the whole match. So it was tough to win the match. But I'm really happy with the level that I'm playing and it was a good match," he added.

Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the last 16 and the American goes into that game on the back of a 12-match winning streak against Spanish players including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year.

"I lost the first and only match that I played against Tommy. I know that he's a really talented and really tough player, so I have to play at my best and let's see what's going to happen," said Alcaraz.

With Nadal injured and Novak Djokovic barred from entering the US due to his refusal to take a COVID vaccine, Alcaraz is the face of this tournament and the crowd was noticeably bigger on the Hard Rock Stadium court for his game.

In the front row of the crowd was Miami Heat NBA star Jimmy Butler who embraced Alcaraz after the match.

Alcaraz said that dealing with his magnified profile is something he has yet to get fully used to.

"I feel great seeing celebrities watching my matches. It's unbelievable. I feel a little bit nervous when I see a person like Jimmy and the celebrities when I was playing in the US Open," he said.

"In a certain way, I can't believe that these people enjoy watching my matches. For me, it's crazy," he said.

<h2>Straight sets for Fritz</h2>

American Taylor Fritz&nbsp;rolled into the fourth round for the third consecutive year after clinching a 6-4, 6-4 win against Canada's&nbsp;Denis Shapovalov.

In a hard-hitting encounter, with both players blasting from the baseline, Fritz did not face a break point during the 81-minute encounter.

"I felt like I just protected my serve well. I didn't give him a lot of free points, served well, so I didn't face any break points," said Fritz.

"I was just able to capitalize on the one break that I got in both sets. That really, that was the difference," he said.

Fritz has already won one tournament in Florida this year, taking the title last month at Delray Beach.

In the fourth round, the American will be up against 19-year-old Holger Rune in who beat Argentine Daniel Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2.

As always at Miami, there is a large contingent of Argentine tennis fans and they were vocal in their support for Schwartzman.

But Dane Rune converted all four break points he earned in the hot afternoon sun.

“My focus was really to step in every time I could and play my game. I think there were a few rallies where I didn’t, but 95 per cent of the match was played on my terms, which was what I wanted," he said.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev moved into the fourth round after his scheduled third round opponent Alex Molcan of Slovakia withdraw from Monday's clash with a right hip injury.

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World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double." The 19-year-old Spaniard, who beat Daniil Medvedev to win the title in Indian Wells last week, looked in top condition as he outclassed Lajovic in the first set to keep his Miami title defence on track. But the Serb was able to provide some tension towards the end of the second set, breaking to make it 5-5 with Alcaraz paying the price for a sloppy return. Alcaraz was 6-2 up in the tie-break, but Lajovic won the next three points before the Spaniard's big back-hand winner settled the 91-minute contest. Also Read: Lionel Messi paid special tribute by Argentine FA after securing nation's third World Cup triumph "Everything was under control or I thought it was but, you know, in the match it's never easy," Alcaraz said. "The nerves came out. I made a few mistakes that I hadn't done during the whole match. So it was tough to win the match. But I'm really happy with the level that I'm playing and it was a good match," he added. Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the last 16 and the American goes into that game on the back of a 12-match winning streak against Spanish players including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year. "I lost the first and only match that I played against Tommy. I know that he's a really talented and really tough player, so I have to play at my best and let's see what's going to happen," said Alcaraz. With Nadal injured and Novak Djokovic barred from entering the US due to his refusal to take a COVID vaccine, Alcaraz is the face of this tournament and the crowd was noticeably bigger on the Hard Rock Stadium court for his game. In the front row of the crowd was Miami Heat NBA star Jimmy Butler who embraced Alcaraz after the match. Alcaraz said that dealing with his magnified profile is something he has yet to get fully used to. "I feel great seeing celebrities watching my matches. It's unbelievable. I feel a little bit nervous when I see a person like Jimmy and the celebrities when I was playing in the US Open," he said. "In a certain way, I can't believe that these people enjoy watching my matches. For me, it's crazy," he said. Straight sets for Fritz American Taylor Fritz rolled into the fourth round for the third consecutive year after clinching a 6-4, 6-4 win against Canada's Denis Shapovalov. In a hard-hitting encounter, with both players blasting from the baseline, Fritz did not face a break point during the 81-minute encounter. "I felt like I just protected my serve well. I didn't give him a lot of free points, served well, so I didn't face any break points," said Fritz. "I was just able to capitalize on the one break that I got in both sets. That really, that was the difference," he said. Fritz has already won one tournament in Florida this year, taking the title last month at Delray Beach. In the fourth round, the American will be up against 19-year-old Holger Rune in who beat Argentine Daniel Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2. As always at Miami, there is a large contingent of Argentine tennis fans and they were vocal in their support for Schwartzman. But Dane Rune converted all four break points he earned in the hot afternoon sun. “My focus was really to step in every time I could and play my game. I think there were a few rallies where I didn’t, but 95 per cent of the match was played on my terms, which was what I wanted," he said. Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev moved into the fourth round after his scheduled third round opponent Alex Molcan of Slovakia withdraw from Monday's clash with a right hip injury. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz moves into last 16 at Miami Open

World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final.

Alcaraz made a blistering start winning the first 11 points of the match, with the 33-year-old Bagnis having no answer at all to the teenager's powerful serve.

There was a loud cheer from the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium when Bagnis, who has never beaten a top 20 ranked player, held serve in the second set and then broke Alcaraz to make it 2-2.

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But that was a brief moment of respite for Bagnis rather than any shift in momentum and Alcaraz had no further problems as he blasted his way to victory in just 65 minutes.

"To start a new tournament is never easy, different conditions. I have to be ready to get used to these new conditions, but I was really focused on the match from the beginning, and I’m happy with the way that I played," said the Spaniard.

Alcaraz needs to win here to maintain his top spot in the rankings, will face either Serbian Dusan Lajovic or American Maxime Cressy in the third round.

After his win in Miami last year, Alcaraz boldly predicted he was ready to win a Grand Slam and he returns now having achieved that goal and, he concedes, as a different man.

"I grew up a lot since last year. It has been a great year for me as a player, as a person as well. I learned a lot of things, not only on court, also off the court, as well," he said.

His whirlwind year caught up with him physically - he had to miss January's Australian Open with a leg injury - &nbsp;and the Spaniard says he is now more careful about his physical condition.

"I have to take care about myself a little bit more off the court, taking care about going early to bed, to rest better, eat well, take care of myself off the court. That's the most important thing for me," he said.

<h2>Fritz advances</h2>

It was also a straightforward start to the tournament for America's top ranked player, world number 10 Taylor Fritz who saw off 21-year-old Californian Emilio Nava 6-4, 6-1.

Nava's ultra-attacking style had earned him an upset win over John Isner in the previous round and he hit some spectacular winners early against Fritz.

But Fritz kept his calm and with the first set under his belt, picked off Nava with ease in the second.

Fritz felt Nava, a promising talent, had made a common mistake of young arrivals on the tour.

"I think that he should just play his game more. In these type of matches I feel like he maybe felt like he had to play much higher than his capacity in this match," he said.

"Just the way he was just kind of going for winners off everything in the first set. It was working, but it's tough to sustain. That's something that I did as well when I was a kid," he added.

Germany's Alexander Zverev's postive return to the tour after his ankle ligament injury, which saw him reach the last 16 at Indian Wells, was cut short by a straight sets 6-0, 6-4, loss to Japanese wildcard Taro Daniel.

The 13th seed Zverev, who has type one diabetes, had to take an insulin shot during the match as New York-born Daniel picked up another impressive win after his victory over Matteo Berrettini at Indian Wells and win over world number four Casper Ruud at the Mexican Open.

Ruud defeated Belarus's Ilya Ivashka 6-2, 6-3, while Italy's Jannik Sinner also progressed to the third round with a &nbsp;6-4, 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere.

After reaching the final in his Miami debut in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals last year, the 21-year-old Italian will be looking to go deep again.

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World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday. The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday. The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final. Alcaraz made a blistering start winning the first 11 points of the match, with the 33-year-old Bagnis having no answer at all to the teenager's powerful serve. There was a loud cheer from the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium when Bagnis, who has never beaten a top 20 ranked player, held serve in the second set and then broke Alcaraz to make it 2-2. Also Read: WPL 2023: Mumbai Indians' Issy Wong takes maiden hat-trick of league against UP Warriroz - WATCH But that was a brief moment of respite for Bagnis rather than any shift in momentum and Alcaraz had no further problems as he blasted his way to victory in just 65 minutes. "To start a new tournament is never easy, different conditions. I have to be ready to get used to these new conditions, but I was really focused on the match from the beginning, and I’m happy with the way that I played," said the Spaniard. Alcaraz needs to win here to maintain his top spot in the rankings, will face either Serbian Dusan Lajovic or American Maxime Cressy in the third round. After his win in Miami last year, Alcaraz boldly predicted he was ready to win a Grand Slam and he returns now having achieved that goal and, he concedes, as a different man. "I grew up a lot since last year. It has been a great year for me as a player, as a person as well. I learned a lot of things, not only on court, also off the court, as well," he said. His whirlwind year caught up with him physically - he had to miss January's Australian Open with a leg injury - and the Spaniard says he is now more careful about his physical condition. "I have to take care about myself a little bit more off the court, taking care about going early to bed, to rest better, eat well, take care of myself off the court. That's the most important thing for me," he said. Fritz advances It was also a straightforward start to the tournament for America's top ranked player, world number 10 Taylor Fritz who saw off 21-year-old Californian Emilio Nava 6-4, 6-1. Nava's ultra-attacking style had earned him an upset win over John Isner in the previous round and he hit some spectacular winners early against Fritz. But Fritz kept his calm and with the first set under his belt, picked off Nava with ease in the second. Fritz felt Nava, a promising talent, had made a common mistake of young arrivals on the tour. "I think that he should just play his game more. In these type of matches I feel like he maybe felt like he had to play much higher than his capacity in this match," he said. "Just the way he was just kind of going for winners off everything in the first set. It was working, but it's tough to sustain. That's something that I did as well when I was a kid," he added. Germany's Alexander Zverev's postive return to the tour after his ankle ligament injury, which saw him reach the last 16 at Indian Wells, was cut short by a straight sets 6-0, 6-4, loss to Japanese wildcard Taro Daniel. The 13th seed Zverev, who has type one diabetes, had to take an insulin shot during the match as New York-born Daniel picked up another impressive win after his victory over Matteo Berrettini at Indian Wells and win over world number four Casper Ruud at the Mexican Open. Ruud defeated Belarus's Ilya Ivashka 6-2, 6-3, while Italy's Jannik Sinner also progressed to the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere. After reaching the final in his Miami debut in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals last year, the 21-year-old Italian will be looking to go deep again. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Defending champ Carlos Alcaraz into third round of Miami Open

World number one Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Miami Open tournament on Monday with a rib injury. The Pole was the defending champion at Miami and was expected to play American Claire Liu in the second round on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye. She lost in the semifinals of Indian Wells to eventual champion Elena Rybakina but said that she was not able to play again with the injury. Swiatek said she had initially hurt her rib by strong coughing after picking up an infection.

"You know that in and after Doha I was struggling with a strong infection," Swiatek said.

"I was allowed to play, but a strong episode of tough cough led to a rib injury. We were trying to handle it and continue to play as long as it was safe for me. We were analyzing the data in the last days and my doctor prepared my diagnosis.

"Unfortunately, I'm still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can't compete."

Swiatek suggested the injury was not serious enough to keep her sidelined for long, although she did not indicate a timeline for her return. With a strong lead over second-placed Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings, Swiatek's number one status will not be immediately impacted by missing Miami.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-proper-statement-r-ashwin-lauds-hardik-pandya-for-his-remark-on-test-return-during-wtc-final-574660">This is a proper statement: R Ashwin lauds Hardik Pandya for his remark on Test return during WTC final</a></h3>

"Of course I'm going to lose points for this tournament but it doesn't change anything in terms of my approach and my mentality," she said.

"I was also aware at the beginning of the season that it's going to be hard for me to defend all these points.

"Missing this tournament is not going to help, but on the other hand, as I said, you know injuries happen and I didn't have any injuries for two or three years.

"What's going to happen next? We'll see. Obviously it's going to depend on the recovery but for now it's not a horrible scenario."

Swiatek said in a statement that she would also miss Poland's upcoming match against Kazakhstan in the Billie Jean King Cup competition.

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World number one Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Miami Open tournament on Monday with a rib injury. The Pole was the defending champion at Miami and was expected to play American Claire Liu in the second round on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye.

World number one Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Miami Open tournament on Monday with a rib injury. The Pole was the defending champion at Miami and was expected to play American Claire Liu in the second round on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye. She lost in the semifinals of Indian Wells to eventual champion Elena Rybakina but said that she was not able to play again with the injury. Swiatek said she had initially hurt her rib by strong coughing after picking up an infection. "You know that in and after Doha I was struggling with a strong infection," Swiatek said. "I was allowed to play, but a strong episode of tough cough led to a rib injury. We were trying to handle it and continue to play as long as it was safe for me. We were analyzing the data in the last days and my doctor prepared my diagnosis. "Unfortunately, I'm still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can't compete." Swiatek suggested the injury was not serious enough to keep her sidelined for long, although she did not indicate a timeline for her return. With a strong lead over second-placed Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings, Swiatek's number one status will not be immediately impacted by missing Miami. ALSO READ | This is a proper statement: R Ashwin lauds Hardik Pandya for his remark on Test return during WTC final "Of course I'm going to lose points for this tournament but it doesn't change anything in terms of my approach and my mentality," she said. "I was also aware at the beginning of the season that it's going to be hard for me to defend all these points. "Missing this tournament is not going to help, but on the other hand, as I said, you know injuries happen and I didn't have any injuries for two or three years. "What's going to happen next? We'll see. Obviously it's going to depend on the recovery but for now it's not a horrible scenario." Swiatek said in a statement that she would also miss Poland's upcoming match against Kazakhstan in the Billie Jean King Cup competition. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Miami Open: World No 1 Iga Swiatek forced to withdraw from WTA 1000 event with rib injury

Miami Open 2023: The Miami Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and this year's edition promises to be as exciting as ever. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, is the unlikely venue for this showcase of tennis talent. But the stadium has undergone a transformation to host the best players in the world for the next two weeks.

The combined ATP and WTA 1000-level event will run from March 21 to April 2 and will feature some of the brightest stars and most accomplished champions in the sport. The Miami Open is the second stop of the 'Sunshine Double,' following the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, earlier this month.

Last year's champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, will be looking to defend their titles against a formidable field. However, the absence of world No.1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, two of the biggest names in the sport, is a disappointment for fans. Djokovic, a six-time champion at Miami, will not be able to compete due to US regulations that bar unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country. Meanwhile, Nadal continues to recover from a hip injury sustained during the Australian Open.

<h2>Miami Open 2023: Full schedule (Both IST and EST)</h2>

Women's and men’s qualifying 
EST: Monday, 20 March- 11:00 
IST: Monday, 20 March - 20:30

Women's main draw &amp; men's qualifying 
EST: Tuesday, 21 March – 11:00 
IST: Tuesday, 21 March - 20:30

Men's &amp; women's main draw - singles 
EST: Wednesday, 22 March: 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Wednesday, 22 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (Thursday, 23 March)

Men's &amp; women's early rounds singles/doubles draws 
EST: Monday, 23-27 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Thursday-Monday, 23-27 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's quarter-finals 
EST: Tuesday 28 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Tuesday 28 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Men's &amp; women's quarter-finals 
EST: Wednesday, 29 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Wednesday, 29 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's semi-finals; men's quarter-finals 
EST: Thursday, 30 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Thursday, 30 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Men's semi-finals 
EST: Friday, 31 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Friday, 31 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's singles final; men's doubles final 
EST: Saturday, 1 April - 1300 
IST: Saturday, 1 April - 23:30

Men's singles final; women's doubles final 
EST: Sunday, 2 April - 1300 
IST: Sunday, 2 April - 23:30

<h2>Miami Open 2023 live streaming and broadcasting details</h2>

In US, Tennis fans will be able to watch the tournament in its entirety on Tennis Channel. Here’s how you can watch the live-stream of Miami Open 2023 in your country: 
Tennis Channel/ TC Plus – USA

Amazon – United Kingdom, Ireland

beIN SPORTS – Australia, Middle East, Singapore

beIN SPORTS Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines

CCTV – China

Eurosport – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, France

Eurosport Nordics – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland

PCCW – Hong Kong

NHK, Gaora Sports Channel, WOWOW – Japan

OTE – Greece

Polsat – Poland

Sky Deutschland – Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Sky Italia – Italy

Telefonica/ Movistar – Spain

ESPN International Latam – Latin America

Supersport Africa – Africa

Sky NZ – New Zealand

TSN – Canada

Viacom18 – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

<h2>Miami Open 2023 prize money and breakdown</h2>

The Miami Open pays the same amount of prize money for each round because it is a joint event that includes both men's and women's singles and doubles competitions. Players on both tours will split a total of $8,800,000, with the winner taking home $1,262,220 and 1000 ranking points.&nbsp;

Format: Stage, total points and total prize money

Winner 1000 $1,262,220

Finals 600 $662,360

SF 360 $352,635

QF 180 $184,465

R16 90 $96,955

R32 45 $55,770

R64 25 $30,885

R96 10 $18,660

Miami Open 2023: The Miami Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and this year's edition promises to be as exciting as ever. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, is the unlikely venue for this showcase of tennis talent.

Miami Open 2023: The Miami Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and this year's edition promises to be as exciting as ever. The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, is the unlikely venue for this showcase of tennis talent. But the stadium has undergone a transformation to host the best players in the world for the next two weeks. The combined ATP and WTA 1000-level event will run from March 21 to April 2 and will feature some of the brightest stars and most accomplished champions in the sport. The Miami Open is the second stop of the 'Sunshine Double,' following the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, earlier this month. Last year's champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, will be looking to defend their titles against a formidable field. However, the absence of world No.1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, two of the biggest names in the sport, is a disappointment for fans. Djokovic, a six-time champion at Miami, will not be able to compete due to US regulations that bar unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country. Meanwhile, Nadal continues to recover from a hip injury sustained during the Australian Open. Miami Open 2023: Full schedule (Both IST and EST) Women's and men’s qualifying EST: Monday, 20 March- 11:00 IST: Monday, 20 March - 20:30 Women's main draw & men's qualifying EST: Tuesday, 21 March – 11:00 IST: Tuesday, 21 March - 20:30 Men's & women's main draw - singles EST: Wednesday, 22 March: 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Wednesday, 22 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (Thursday, 23 March) Men's & women's early rounds singles/doubles draws EST: Monday, 23-27 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Thursday-Monday, 23-27 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's quarter-finals EST: Tuesday 28 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Tuesday 28 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Men's & women's quarter-finals EST: Wednesday, 29 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Wednesday, 29 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's semi-finals; men's quarter-finals EST: Thursday, 30 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Thursday, 30 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Men's semi-finals EST: Friday, 31 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Friday, 31 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's singles final; men's doubles final EST: Saturday, 1 April - 1300 IST: Saturday, 1 April - 23:30 Men's singles final; women's doubles final EST: Sunday, 2 April - 1300 IST: Sunday, 2 April - 23:30 Miami Open 2023 live streaming and broadcasting details In US, Tennis fans will be able to watch the tournament in its entirety on Tennis Channel. Here’s how you can watch the live-stream of Miami Open 2023 in your country: Tennis Channel/ TC Plus – USA Amazon – United Kingdom, Ireland beIN SPORTS – Australia, Middle East, Singapore beIN SPORTS Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines CCTV – China Eurosport – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, France Eurosport Nordics – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland PCCW – Hong Kong NHK, Gaora Sports Channel, WOWOW – Japan OTE – Greece Polsat – Poland Sky Deutschland – Germany, Austria, Switzerland Sky Italia – Italy Telefonica/ Movistar – Spain ESPN International Latam – Latin America Supersport Africa – Africa Sky NZ – New Zealand TSN – Canada Viacom18 – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Miami Open 2023 prize money and breakdown The Miami Open pays the same amount of prize money for each round because it is a joint event that includes both men's and women's singles and doubles competitions. Players on both tours will split a total of $8,800,000, with the winner taking home $1,262,220 and 1000 ranking points. Format: Stage, total points and total prize money Winner 1000 $1,262,220 Finals 600 $662,360 SF 360 $352,635 QF 180 $184,465 R16 90 $96,955 R32 45 $55,770 R64 25 $30,885 R96 10 $18,660

Miami Open 2023: Check full schedule, prize money & live-streaming details; all you need to know

Miami Open 2023 live streaming: The staple event of the annual Tennis calendar apart from 4 grand slam tournaments, Miami Open main event starts on March 21. Hard Rock Stadium will host the world’s best Tennis players for the next two weeks. The combined ATP and WTA 1000-level event will be held from March 21 to April 2.

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, the champions from the previous year, will be vying to defend their crowns against strong competition. Fans are disappointed by the absence of Rafael Nadal and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, two of the biggest names in the sport. Djokovic, a six-time Miami champion, won't be able to play because of US laws that forbid foreigners without vaccinations from entering the country. Nadal's is still recovering from hip injury that he sustained at the Australian Open.

<h2>Miami Open 2023 live streaming and broadcasting details</h2>

In US, Tennis fans will be able to watch the tournament in its entirety on Tennis Channel. Here’s how you can watch the live stream of Miami Open 2023 in your country: 
Tennis Channel/ TC Plus – USA

Amazon – United Kingdom, Ireland

beIN SPORTS – Australia, Middle East, Singapore

beIN SPORTS Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines

CCTV – China

Eurosport – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, France

Eurosport Nordics – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland

PCCW – Hong Kong

NHK, Gaora Sports Channel, WOWOW – Japan

OTE – Greece

Polsat – Poland

Sky Deutschland – Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Sky Italia – Italy

Telefonica/ Movistar – Spain

ESPN International Latam – Latin America

Supersport Africa – Africa

Sky NZ – New Zealand

TSN – Canada

Viacom18 – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

<h2>Miami Open 2023: Full schedule (Both IST and EST)</h2>

Women's and men’s qualifying 
EST: Monday, 20 March- 11:00 
IST: Monday, 20 March - 20:30

Women's main draw &amp; men's qualifying 
EST: Tuesday, 21 March – 11:00 
IST: Tuesday, 21 March - 20:30

Men's &amp; women's main draw - singles 
EST: Wednesday, 22 March: 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Wednesday, 22 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (Thursday, 23 March)

Men's &amp; women's early rounds singles/doubles draws 
EST: Monday, 23-27 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Thursday-Monday, 23-27 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's quarter-finals 
EST: Tuesday 28 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 
IST: Tuesday 28 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Men's &amp; women's quarter-finals 
EST: Wednesday, 29 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Wednesday, 29 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's semi-finals; men's quarter-finals 
EST: Thursday, 30 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Thursday, 30 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Men's semi-finals 
EST: Friday, 31 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 
IST: Friday, 31 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day)

Women's singles final; men's doubles final 
EST: Saturday, 1 April - 1300 
IST: Saturday, 1 April - 23:30

Men's singles final; women's doubles final 
EST: Sunday, 2 April - 1300 
IST: Sunday, 2 April - 23:30

When will Miami Open 2023 (main event) start?

Miami Open 2023 will start on Tuesday, March 21.

Where will Miami Open 2023&nbsp;be played?

Miami Open 2023 will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Where will Miami Open 2023 be live-streamed?&nbsp;

In USA, Miami Open 2023 will be live-streamed on Tennis Channel/ TC Plus.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-2023-check-full-schedule-prize-money-live-streaming-details-all-you-need-to-know-574186">Miami Open 2023: Check full schedule, prize money &amp; live-streaming details; all you need to know</a>

Miami Open 2023 live streaming: The staple event of the annual Tennis calendar apart from 4 grand slam tournaments, Miami Open main event starts on March 21. Hard Rock Stadium will host the world’s best Tennis players for the next two weeks.

Miami Open 2023 live streaming: The staple event of the annual Tennis calendar apart from 4 grand slam tournaments, Miami Open main event starts on March 21. Hard Rock Stadium will host the world’s best Tennis players for the next two weeks. The combined ATP and WTA 1000-level event will be held from March 21 to April 2. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, the champions from the previous year, will be vying to defend their crowns against strong competition. Fans are disappointed by the absence of Rafael Nadal and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, two of the biggest names in the sport. Djokovic, a six-time Miami champion, won't be able to play because of US laws that forbid foreigners without vaccinations from entering the country. Nadal's is still recovering from hip injury that he sustained at the Australian Open. Miami Open 2023 live streaming and broadcasting details In US, Tennis fans will be able to watch the tournament in its entirety on Tennis Channel. Here’s how you can watch the live stream of Miami Open 2023 in your country: Tennis Channel/ TC Plus – USA Amazon – United Kingdom, Ireland beIN SPORTS – Australia, Middle East, Singapore beIN SPORTS Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines CCTV – China Eurosport – Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, France Eurosport Nordics – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland PCCW – Hong Kong NHK, Gaora Sports Channel, WOWOW – Japan OTE – Greece Polsat – Poland Sky Deutschland – Germany, Austria, Switzerland Sky Italia – Italy Telefonica/ Movistar – Spain ESPN International Latam – Latin America Supersport Africa – Africa Sky NZ – New Zealand TSN – Canada Viacom18 – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Miami Open 2023: Full schedule (Both IST and EST) Women's and men’s qualifying EST: Monday, 20 March- 11:00 IST: Monday, 20 March - 20:30 Women's main draw & men's qualifying EST: Tuesday, 21 March – 11:00 IST: Tuesday, 21 March - 20:30 Men's & women's main draw - singles EST: Wednesday, 22 March: 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Wednesday, 22 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (Thursday, 23 March) Men's & women's early rounds singles/doubles draws EST: Monday, 23-27 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Thursday-Monday, 23-27 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's quarter-finals EST: Tuesday 28 March - 1100; Evening - 1900 IST: Tuesday 28 March - 20:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Men's & women's quarter-finals EST: Wednesday, 29 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Wednesday, 29 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's semi-finals; men's quarter-finals EST: Thursday, 30 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Thursday, 30 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Men's semi-finals EST: Friday, 31 March - 1300; Evening - 1900 IST: Friday, 31 March - 23:30; Evening - 6:30 (next day) Women's singles final; men's doubles final EST: Saturday, 1 April - 1300 IST: Saturday, 1 April - 23:30 Men's singles final; women's doubles final EST: Sunday, 2 April - 1300 IST: Sunday, 2 April - 23:30 When will Miami Open 2023 (main event) start? Miami Open 2023 will start on Tuesday, March 21. Where will Miami Open 2023 be played? Miami Open 2023 will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Where will Miami Open 2023 be live-streamed? In USA, Miami Open 2023 will be live-streamed on Tennis Channel/ TC Plus. Also Read | Miami Open 2023: Check full schedule, prize money & live-streaming details; all you need to know

Miami Open 2023 live streaming: When and where to watch Miami Open live on your mobile & laptop

Novak Djokovic will miss next week's Miami Open after the Serbian was denied an exemption that would have allowed him to enter the U.S. despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, tournament director James Blake said on Friday (March 17).

"We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn't able to happen," Blake told Tennis Channel.

"Obviously, we're one of the premier tournaments in the world, we'd like to have the best players that can play. We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that's out of our hands."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state's two U.S. senators were among those calling on the Biden administration to allow world number one Djokovic to enter the U.S. and compete at the tournament he has won six times.

Djokovic, 35, is also missing the ongoing Masters event in Indian Wells, California due to inability to secure the exemption. The U.S. currently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the country, a policy that is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-picks-a-new-face-to-keep-wickets-in-wtc-final-against-australia-573318">Ravi Shastri picks a new face to keep wickets in WTC final against Australia</a></h3>

Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open after being deported from that country due to his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot. He won his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. He has not played at Indian Wells or the Miami Open - which together comprise the "Sunshine Double" - since 2019.

Djokovic has so far enjoyed his spell in 2023 having captured the Australia Open in January while he will be in search of third French Open title in June. The veteran star will be chasing his 23rd Grand Slam title in coming June which will see him became the most successful men’s tennis player ahead of the Rafael Nadal, who also stands with 22 titles.

While there should be no issues for him to participate in the upcoming French Open and the Wimbledon Championships, his participation in the final Slam of the year in US Open hangs in balance.

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Novak Djokovic will miss next week's Miami Open after the Serbian was denied an exemption that would have allowed him to enter the U.S. despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, tournament director James Blake said on Friday (March 17).

Novak Djokovic will miss next week's Miami Open after the Serbian was denied an exemption that would have allowed him to enter the U.S. despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, tournament director James Blake said on Friday (March 17). "We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn't able to happen," Blake told Tennis Channel. "Obviously, we're one of the premier tournaments in the world, we'd like to have the best players that can play. We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that's out of our hands." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state's two U.S. senators were among those calling on the Biden administration to allow world number one Djokovic to enter the U.S. and compete at the tournament he has won six times. Djokovic, 35, is also missing the ongoing Masters event in Indian Wells, California due to inability to secure the exemption. The U.S. currently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the country, a policy that is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11. ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri picks a new face to keep wickets in WTC final against Australia Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open after being deported from that country due to his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot. He won his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. He has not played at Indian Wells or the Miami Open - which together comprise the "Sunshine Double" - since 2019. Djokovic has so far enjoyed his spell in 2023 having captured the Australia Open in January while he will be in search of third French Open title in June. The veteran star will be chasing his 23rd Grand Slam title in coming June which will see him became the most successful men’s tennis player ahead of the Rafael Nadal, who also stands with 22 titles. While there should be no issues for him to participate in the upcoming French Open and the Wimbledon Championships, his participation in the final Slam of the year in US Open hangs in balance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Miami Open: Novak Djokovic denied entry into US; set to miss yet another Masters event for unvaccinated status

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called on U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Novak Djokovic to compete at this month's Miami Open despite the world number one being unvaccinated for COVID-19. Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the U.S. government last month for special permission to play at ATP Masters events Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday, and the March 19-April 2 Miami Open.

The Serbian, 35, formally withdrew from Indian Wells on Sunday. Florida Senator Rick Scott said that U.S. officials had denied Djokovic's request. "This denial is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable," DeSantis wrote in a letter to Biden on Tuesday. "I urge you to reconsider. It's time to put pandemic politics aside and give the American people what they want - let him play."

Republican DeSantis signed a law in November 2021 banning schools, businesses and government entities from requiring vaccination against COVID-19, drawing condemnation from health experts and Democratic leaders. The U.S. currently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the country, a policy that is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11.

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Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open after being deported from that country due to his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot. He won his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. He has not played at Indian Wells or the Miami Open - which together comprise the "Sunshine Double" - since 2019.

Last week, Scott and fellow Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida also wrote to Biden urging him to grant the waiver request. Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas, the United States&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Association and the U.S. Open were among those also hoping Djokovic would be allowed to enter.

"The only thing keeping Mr Djokovic from participating in this tournament is your administration's continued enforcement of a misguided, unscientific, and out-of-date COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign guests," DeSantis said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called on U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Novak Djokovic to compete at this month's Miami Open despite the world number one being unvaccinated for COVID-19.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called on U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Novak Djokovic to compete at this month's Miami Open despite the world number one being unvaccinated for COVID-19. Djokovic, one of the most high-profile athletes unvaccinated against the virus, applied to the U.S. government last month for special permission to play at ATP Masters events Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday, and the March 19-April 2 Miami Open. The Serbian, 35, formally withdrew from Indian Wells on Sunday. Florida Senator Rick Scott said that U.S. officials had denied Djokovic's request. "This denial is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable," DeSantis wrote in a letter to Biden on Tuesday. "I urge you to reconsider. It's time to put pandemic politics aside and give the American people what they want - let him play." Republican DeSantis signed a law in November 2021 banning schools, businesses and government entities from requiring vaccination against COVID-19, drawing condemnation from health experts and Democratic leaders. The U.S. currently bars unvaccinated foreigners from entry into the country, a policy that is expected to be lifted when the government ends its COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11. Also read: Tennis: Ukraine's Kostyuk snubs Russia's Gracheva after Austin Open win, dedicates title to country Djokovic, who missed last year's Australian Open after being deported from that country due to his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a COVID shot. He won his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. He has not played at Indian Wells or the Miami Open - which together comprise the "Sunshine Double" - since 2019. Last week, Scott and fellow Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida also wrote to Biden urging him to grant the waiver request. Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas, the United States Tennis Association and the U.S. Open were among those also hoping Djokovic would be allowed to enter. "The only thing keeping Mr Djokovic from participating in this tournament is your administration's continued enforcement of a misguided, unscientific, and out-of-date COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign guests," DeSantis said.

Florida governor urges US president Joe Biden to let unvaccinated Novak Djokovic compete at Miami Open

&nbsp;The 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic might miss the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open once more after the United States extended the requirement for all non-American nationals to get vaccinated against COVID-19. As per Skysports.com, the deadline for non-US citizens to receive the Covid-19 vaccination has been extended in the United States until at least April 10; as a result, Novak Djokovic, who has chosen not to receive the vaccination, may potentially miss the Miami Open and Indian Wells Masters in March.

This year`s tournament at Indian Wells will kickstart from March 6 to 19, with the Miami Open following from March 20 to April 2.Due to his decision to forego vaccination last year, Djokovic was forced to skip both tournaments as well as the US Open and other ATP Masters events in the USA and Canada.The 35-year-old`s visa was revoked due to his lack of vaccinations around the same time last year, and he was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open as well."What happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest for some time but at the same time I had to move on," Skysports quoted Djokovic as saying.

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The Serbian star, who is competing in the Adelaide International, defeated Constant Lestienne 6-3, 6-2 to start his preparation for a shot at a record-extending 10th Australian Open victory.On his return to Australia, Djokovic was greeted with cheers from the locals and said he has no resentment for what happened the previous year.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic might miss the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open once more after the United States extended the requirement for all non-American nationals to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic might miss the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open once more after the United States extended the requirement for all non-American nationals to get vaccinated against COVID-19. As per Skysports.com, the deadline for non-US citizens to receive the Covid-19 vaccination has been extended in the United States until at least April 10; as a result, Novak Djokovic, who has chosen not to receive the vaccination, may potentially miss the Miami Open and Indian Wells Masters in March. This year`s tournament at Indian Wells will kickstart from March 6 to 19, with the Miami Open following from March 20 to April 2.Due to his decision to forego vaccination last year, Djokovic was forced to skip both tournaments as well as the US Open and other ATP Masters events in the USA and Canada.The 35-year-old`s visa was revoked due to his lack of vaccinations around the same time last year, and he was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open as well."What happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest for some time but at the same time I had to move on," Skysports quoted Djokovic as saying. Also read: Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz to play in charity match to raise funds for crisis-hit Ukraine The Serbian star, who is competing in the Adelaide International, defeated Constant Lestienne 6-3, 6-2 to start his preparation for a shot at a record-extending 10th Australian Open victory.On his return to Australia, Djokovic was greeted with cheers from the locals and said he has no resentment for what happened the previous year.

Serbian star Novak Djokovic likely to miss Indian Wells, Miami Open after US extend COVID-19 vaccine rules

Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz capped a dream run at the Miami Open with a 7-5 6-4 win over Norwegian world number eight Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday to secure the biggest win of his young career.

The 18-year-old Alcaraz earned his first ATP Masters 1000 crown and is the first Spanish man to triumph in Miami after eight previous final appearances by his compatriots, including five by Rafa Nadal.

"I have no words to describe how I feel," Alcaraz said after he replaced Novak Djokovic as the youngest champion in the 37-year-old tournament`s history. "But it`s so special to win my Masters 1000 here in Miami."

Alcaraz was roughed up by Ruud in the early stages of the match between the two up-and-coming players but roared back from a 4-1 deficit to take the opener with an overhead smash on his third set point.

From there, the Spaniard refused to relinquish control as he went up a double-break for an early 3-0 lead in the second set where Ruud managed to get one back but ultimately had no answer as Alcaraz kept up the pressure in a match that featured two first-time ATP Masters 1000 finalists.

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With victory within his grasp, Alcaraz dropped just two points in his final three service games and coolly served out the one hour, 52 minute match to love in the final game.

"I knew that Casper is playing unbelievable. He has a big forehand. I tried to play to his backhand first and attack all the time," said Alcaraz.

"I tried not to let him dominate the match. Forehand down the line, backhand down the line was a key for me."

The victory marked Alcaraz`s third ATP Tour title following triumphs at the Rio Open in February and his win at Umag last July when he became the youngest tour-level champion since Kei Nishikori won at Delray Beach in 2008.

Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz capped a dream run at the Miami Open with a 7-5 6-4 win over Norwegian world number eight Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday to secure the biggest win of his young career.

Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz capped a dream run at the Miami Open with a 7-5 6-4 win over Norwegian world number eight Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday to secure the biggest win of his young career. The 18-year-old Alcaraz earned his first ATP Masters 1000 crown and is the first Spanish man to triumph in Miami after eight previous final appearances by his compatriots, including five by Rafa Nadal. "I have no words to describe how I feel," Alcaraz said after he replaced Novak Djokovic as the youngest champion in the 37-year-old tournament`s history. "But it`s so special to win my Masters 1000 here in Miami." Alcaraz was roughed up by Ruud in the early stages of the match between the two up-and-coming players but roared back from a 4-1 deficit to take the opener with an overhead smash on his third set point. From there, the Spaniard refused to relinquish control as he went up a double-break for an early 3-0 lead in the second set where Ruud managed to get one back but ultimately had no answer as Alcaraz kept up the pressure in a match that featured two first-time ATP Masters 1000 finalists. Also Read: Iga Swiatek beats Naomi Osaka to clinch Miami Open title, replaces Ash Barty as world no.1 With victory within his grasp, Alcaraz dropped just two points in his final three service games and coolly served out the one hour, 52 minute match to love in the final game. "I knew that Casper is playing unbelievable. He has a big forehand. I tried to play to his backhand first and attack all the time," said Alcaraz. "I tried not to let him dominate the match. Forehand down the line, backhand down the line was a key for me." The victory marked Alcaraz`s third ATP Tour title following triumphs at the Rio Open in February and his win at Umag last July when he became the youngest tour-level champion since Kei Nishikori won at Delray Beach in 2008.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Casper Ruud to become youngest Miami Open men's champion

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday.

The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, did not drop a set in Miami and has now won 17 consecutive matches dating back to her championship run at the Qatar Open in February.

With the victory, the 20-year-old Swiatek becomes only the fourth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, a feat known as the "Sunshine Double" given the tournaments'&nbsp;respective locations in California and Florida.

"These weeks were so intense I didn't really know if I would able to keep up with the streak that I have," said Swiatek, who also became the first woman to win the opening three WTA 1000 tournaments in a season.

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"It's amazing for me that I could show mental toughness because my whole life I thought I could do more and sometimes I was losing and I didn't even know why.

"This season I feel like everything clicked so it's great and I am really happy."

The two players wasted no time getting into the heat of the battle as the match began with a wild seven-deuce opening game during which four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka saved two break points and fired down four aces to hold serve.

The match remained on serve until Swiatek broke Osaka when she ripped a brilliant crosscourt backhand winner to go ahead 3-2 and then went on to close out the first set without facing a break point despite serving under 40%.

The former French Open champion raised her level in the second where she broke Osaka three times to race out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as she sealed the 79-minute match on her first championship point when Osaka sent a forehand wide.

Swiatek is the first women to complete the "Sunshine Double" since Victoria Azarenka in 2016. Kim Clijsters (2005) and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) are the other women to accomplish the feat.

Osaka arrived in Florida following a second-round loss at Indian Wells where she was reduced to tears after being heckled during the match but she proved resilient as she would only drop one set en route to the Miami final.

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In the final, Osaka did well to hold serve in a tricky 10-minute game to start the match and while she was not able to do much against a determined Swiatek after that she still held her head high.

"I haven't been in this position for a little minute," said the 24-year-old Osaka, who took a break from the sport last year to prioritise her mental health.

"I know this isn't the outcome that you guys wanted but I am having a lot of fun out here so I hope that I can keep working hard and get more opportunities to be in a situation like this again."

Swiatek will take over the top ranking from Ash Barty, who stunned the sporting world last month when she announced her retirement from tennis aged 25.

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday.

Poland's Iga Swiatek will take over the world number one ranking in style as she kept her remarkable winning run intact with a 6-4 6-0 win over Japan's Naomi Osaka in the Miami Open final on Saturday. The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, did not drop a set in Miami and has now won 17 consecutive matches dating back to her championship run at the Qatar Open in February. With the victory, the 20-year-old Swiatek becomes only the fourth woman to win the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, a feat known as the "Sunshine Double" given the tournaments' respective locations in California and Florida. "These weeks were so intense I didn't really know if I would able to keep up with the streak that I have," said Swiatek, who also became the first woman to win the opening three WTA 1000 tournaments in a season. ALSO READ: Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations "It's amazing for me that I could show mental toughness because my whole life I thought I could do more and sometimes I was losing and I didn't even know why. "This season I feel like everything clicked so it's great and I am really happy." The two players wasted no time getting into the heat of the battle as the match began with a wild seven-deuce opening game during which four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka saved two break points and fired down four aces to hold serve. The match remained on serve until Swiatek broke Osaka when she ripped a brilliant crosscourt backhand winner to go ahead 3-2 and then went on to close out the first set without facing a break point despite serving under 40%. The former French Open champion raised her level in the second where she broke Osaka three times to race out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as she sealed the 79-minute match on her first championship point when Osaka sent a forehand wide. Swiatek is the first women to complete the "Sunshine Double" since Victoria Azarenka in 2016. Kim Clijsters (2005) and Steffi Graf (1994, 1996) are the other women to accomplish the feat. Osaka arrived in Florida following a second-round loss at Indian Wells where she was reduced to tears after being heckled during the match but she proved resilient as she would only drop one set en route to the Miami final. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev In the final, Osaka did well to hold serve in a tricky 10-minute game to start the match and while she was not able to do much against a determined Swiatek after that she still held her head high. "I haven't been in this position for a little minute," said the 24-year-old Osaka, who took a break from the sport last year to prioritise her mental health. "I know this isn't the outcome that you guys wanted but I am having a lot of fun out here so I hope that I can keep working hard and get more opportunities to be in a situation like this again." Swiatek will take over the top ranking from Ash Barty, who stunned the sporting world last month when she announced her retirement from tennis aged 25.

Miami Open: Poland's Iga Swiatek beats Naomi Osaka to clinch title, replaces Ash Barty as world no.1

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz continued his sensational play on Friday to beat defending champion Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(5) 7-6(2) and set up a Miami Open final against Casper Ruud, who ended the dream run of Francisco Cerundolo with a 6-4 6-1 win earlier.

For the second night Alcaraz electrified the fans at Hard Rock Stadium with his feisty and fearless play and the 18-year-old will now look to become the tournament's youngest-ever champion on Sunday against world number eight Ruud.

"I will try to play like it's the first round to mask the nerves," said Alcaraz, who beat Ruud in straight sets in their only previous meeting in Marbella, Spain, last year.

"I think I'm going to enjoy it and it will be a great final."

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In the first set, Alcaraz erased a breakpoint while trailing 3-4 with one of his trademark drop shots and later blasted an exquisite backhand passing shot to send the first set to a tiebreak.

In the breaker, Alcaraz rallied from a 5-3 deficit and won it when Hurkacz's volley found the net, leading the hard-hitting Pole to the throw his racket to the court in frustration.

Alcaraz saved two break points at 5-5 in the second set with help from a flurry of unforced errors by Hurkacz and in the second breaker, delivered yet another perfectly executed drop shot to set up match point.

He sealed the win when Hurkacz's stab volley went into the net to the delight of the crowd on a hot and humid night under the lights in Florida.

Alcaraz will face Ruud in the final after the Norwegian beat Cerundolo in their semi-final during the day.

Ruud converted a late breakpoint to capture the opening set after nerves appeared to come into play for world number 103 Cerundolo, who was featured in his first Masters 1000 tournament main draw.

Ruud, who like the Argentine is 23, fended off four break points early in the second set and broke Cerundolo with a drop shot for a 3-1 lead he would not relinquish.

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Ruud thumped his sixth ace on match point to reach his first final at a Masters 1000 event.

"It was quite a tough match even though the scoreline said two straight sets," said Ruud, who was known as a clay court specialist before excelling on hard courts this year.

"It was a physical match. The conditions here were very, very humid today. I was lucky I was able to pull through and didn't need to play a third set."

Despite the loss, the tournament was a breakthrough for Cerundolo, who is projected to rise to world number 51 when new rankings are released next week.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz continued his sensational play on Friday to beat defending champion Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(5) 7-6(2) and set up a Miami Open final against Casper Ruud, who ended the dream run of Francisco Cerundolo with a 6-4 6-1 win earlier.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz continued his sensational play on Friday to beat defending champion Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(5) 7-6(2) and set up a Miami Open final against Casper Ruud, who ended the dream run of Francisco Cerundolo with a 6-4 6-1 win earlier. For the second night Alcaraz electrified the fans at Hard Rock Stadium with his feisty and fearless play and the 18-year-old will now look to become the tournament's youngest-ever champion on Sunday against world number eight Ruud. "I will try to play like it's the first round to mask the nerves," said Alcaraz, who beat Ruud in straight sets in their only previous meeting in Marbella, Spain, last year. "I think I'm going to enjoy it and it will be a great final." ALSO READ: Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations In the first set, Alcaraz erased a breakpoint while trailing 3-4 with one of his trademark drop shots and later blasted an exquisite backhand passing shot to send the first set to a tiebreak. In the breaker, Alcaraz rallied from a 5-3 deficit and won it when Hurkacz's volley found the net, leading the hard-hitting Pole to the throw his racket to the court in frustration. Alcaraz saved two break points at 5-5 in the second set with help from a flurry of unforced errors by Hurkacz and in the second breaker, delivered yet another perfectly executed drop shot to set up match point. He sealed the win when Hurkacz's stab volley went into the net to the delight of the crowd on a hot and humid night under the lights in Florida. Alcaraz will face Ruud in the final after the Norwegian beat Cerundolo in their semi-final during the day. Ruud converted a late breakpoint to capture the opening set after nerves appeared to come into play for world number 103 Cerundolo, who was featured in his first Masters 1000 tournament main draw. Ruud, who like the Argentine is 23, fended off four break points early in the second set and broke Cerundolo with a drop shot for a 3-1 lead he would not relinquish. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev Ruud thumped his sixth ace on match point to reach his first final at a Masters 1000 event. "It was quite a tough match even though the scoreline said two straight sets," said Ruud, who was known as a clay court specialist before excelling on hard courts this year. "It was a physical match. The conditions here were very, very humid today. I was lucky I was able to pull through and didn't need to play a third set." Despite the loss, the tournament was a breakthrough for Cerundolo, who is projected to rise to world number 51 when new rankings are released next week.

Miami Open: Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz defeats defending champion Hubert Hurkacz, to face Ruud in final

Norway's Casper Ruud ended Francisco Cerundolo's unexpected run to the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-4 6-1 win on Friday.

Eighth-ranked Ruud converted a late breakpoint in the opening set after nerves appeared to come into play for world number 103 Cerundolo, who was featured in his first Masters 1000 tournament main draw.

Ruud, who like the Argentine is 23, fended off four break points early in the second set and after holding serve to love for a 4-1 lead was able to cruise to the finish.

Ruud thumped his sixth ace on match point to reach his first final at a Masters 1000 event, where he will face either defending champion Hubert Hurkacz of Poland or 14th-seeded Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz, who play later on Friday.

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"It was quite a tough match even though the scoreline said two straight sets," said Ruud, who was known as a clay court specialist before excelling on hard courts this year.

"It was a physical match. The conditions here were very, very humid today. I was lucky I was able to pull through and didn't need to play a third set."

Despite the loss, the tournament was a breakthrough for Cerundolo, who is projected to rise to world number 51 when new rankings are released next week.

Norway's Casper Ruud ended Francisco Cerundolo's unexpected run to the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-4 6-1 win on Friday. Eighth-ranked Ruud converted a late breakpoint in the opening set after nerves appeared to come into play for world number 103 Cerundolo, who was featured in his first Masters 1000 tournament main draw.

Norway's Casper Ruud ended Francisco Cerundolo's unexpected run to the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-4 6-1 win on Friday. Eighth-ranked Ruud converted a late breakpoint in the opening set after nerves appeared to come into play for world number 103 Cerundolo, who was featured in his first Masters 1000 tournament main draw. Ruud, who like the Argentine is 23, fended off four break points early in the second set and after holding serve to love for a 4-1 lead was able to cruise to the finish. Ruud thumped his sixth ace on match point to reach his first final at a Masters 1000 event, where he will face either defending champion Hubert Hurkacz of Poland or 14th-seeded Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz, who play later on Friday. ALSO READ: India''s Anirban Lahiri fires solid 68 for strong start at Texas Open "It was quite a tough match even though the scoreline said two straight sets," said Ruud, who was known as a clay court specialist before excelling on hard courts this year. "It was a physical match. The conditions here were very, very humid today. I was lucky I was able to pull through and didn't need to play a third set." Despite the loss, the tournament was a breakthrough for Cerundolo, who is projected to rise to world number 51 when new rankings are released next week.

Miami Open: Norway's Casper Ruud ends Francisco Cerundolo's dream run to reach first Masters finals

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday.

After repeatedly berating umpire Carlos Bernardes for failing to control the crowd at the Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, Kyrgios received a point penalty in the first set tiebreak for telling a friend in the stands he could do a better job officiating.

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The Australian wild card then received a game penalty - putting Italian Sinner up a break at the start of the second set - after repeatedly yelling "What is unsportsmanlike?" to Bernardes, and then walked to his bench, where he whacked his racket against the court.

The ATP said Kyrgios was fined $5,000 for audible obscenity, $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $20,000 for verbal abuse.

Asked after the match about his behaviour, Kyrgios defended his character while railing against the umpire.

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"He`s not even going to get a slap on the wrist for his dreadful umpiring performance today. Like, he was horrendous," said the Australian.

The incident followed an outburst at Indian Wells earlier this month, where Kyrgios lost his temper after losing in the quarter-final to Rafa Nadal, smashing his racket to the ground, which then bounced up and almost hit a ball boy. 
He apologised after the match and was fined $25,000.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $35,000 for his behaviour during a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Miami Open in which he criticised the umpire and smashed his racket, the sport`s governing ATP said on Thursday. After repeatedly berating umpire Carlos Bernardes for failing to control the crowd at the Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, Kyrgios received a point penalty in the first set tiebreak for telling a friend in the stands he could do a better job officiating. Also read | Premier League clubs to reintroduce five substitutes rule from 2022-23 season The Australian wild card then received a game penalty - putting Italian Sinner up a break at the start of the second set - after repeatedly yelling "What is unsportsmanlike?" to Bernardes, and then walked to his bench, where he whacked his racket against the court. The ATP said Kyrgios was fined $5,000 for audible obscenity, $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $20,000 for verbal abuse. Asked after the match about his behaviour, Kyrgios defended his character while railing against the umpire. Also read | Updated IPL 2022 points table after CSK vs LSG face-off "He`s not even going to get a slap on the wrist for his dreadful umpiring performance today. Like, he was horrendous," said the Australian. The incident followed an outburst at Indian Wells earlier this month, where Kyrgios lost his temper after losing in the quarter-final to Rafa Nadal, smashing his racket to the ground, which then bounced up and almost hit a ball boy. He apologised after the match and was fined $25,000.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios fined $35,000 for Miami Open violations

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point.

The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula.

"I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-sania-mirza-kirsten-flipkens-crashes-out-in-quarterfinals-467002">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis&nbsp;Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals</a>

"I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend."

Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1.

"Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season."

For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash.

Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev.

After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors.

Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev.

"I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters.

"This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-naomi-osaka-outclasses-danielle-collins-to-set-up-maiden-semifinal-date-against-belinda-bencic-466949">Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic</a>

Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments.

"Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added.

Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters.

Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash.

Poland's Iga Swiatek continued her terrific run with a 6-3 6-3 win over Petra Kvitova on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, while Norway's Casper Ruud upset men's second seed Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final clash. Swiatek, who came to Miami full of confidence after claiming back-to-back titles at Doha and Indian Wells, pressured twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova's serve throughout the 77-minute match and never faced a break point. The Polish second seed, who will take over the world number one ranking next week, has now won 15 consecutive matches dating back to Qatar and will next face 16th seed Jessica Pegula. "I want to use the confidence that I built since the beginning of Doha," said Swiatek. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals "I'm on a roll and I want to use that. Having that kind of streak got pretty tricky, but I'm pretty glad that I could play well, that I'm healthy, and that I can compete against players like Petra. She's a legend." Pegula advanced after Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa retired with a viral illness while trailing 4-1. "Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day," Badosa wrote on Twitter. "Tried everything to recover but wasn't enough. I'll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season." For Pegula, it marked the second consecutive abrupt ending to a match as unseeded Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin retired while down 6-0 in their fourth-round clash. Norwegian sixth seed Ruud secured the biggest win of his career with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 triumph over world number four Zverev. After Zverev levelled the match, it was Ruud who was the aggressor in the decider as he frequently approached the net with great success, held tough during baseline rallies and limited his unforced errors. Ruud had failed to win a set in two previous meetings against Zverev. "I feel a little bit good. I mean, it's obviously an exciting night and the biggest win of my career so far," Ruud told reporters. "This is now the fourth time I'm reaching a semi-final in a Masters 1000 event and ... the first time on hard court so that means it's a little bit extra special for me." ALSO READ: Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic Ruud lost the three Masters semi-finals he previously played in Rome, Monte Carlo and Madrid -- all claycourt tournaments. "Let's see if I can take what I have learned from the three previous semi-finals where unfortunately I lost all of them and see if I can turn it around and make the fourth time the lucky charm," he added. Up next for Ruud will be Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, whose dream run in his ATP Masters 1000 debut continued after Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their match with foot blisters. Cerundolo, who is ranked 103rd, was leading 4-1 when Sinner decided to call the match and becomes the lowest-ranked men's singles semi-finalist in the tournament's history.

Miami Open: Iga Swiatek runs down Petra Kvitova to enter semis, Casper Ruud stuns Alexander Zverev

The early action at the Miami Open quarter-finals was cut short on Wednesday, when Spain's Paula Badosa retired from her match against Jessica Pegula and Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner did the same versus Francisco Cerundolo.

Officials said that Badosa had a viral illness, while Sinner called it quits as a result of foot blisters. Both were favourites to advance and retired at 4-1 down in the first set of their respective matches.

Pegula, who will feature in her second WTA 1000 semi-final, lost her serve in the first game but immediately broke back, before converting again in the fourth game, dropping just one of 10 first-serve points in her limited time on the court.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-naomi-osaka-outclasses-danielle-collins-to-set-up-maiden-semifinal-date-against-belinda-bencic-466949">Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic</a>

"I don't think I really thought she was going to retire, like maybe not that quickly, maybe a set or, if anything, but not that soon," the American told reporters.

Pegula, who reached her second consecutive Australian Open quarter-final this year, will face the winner of a match between 2020 Roland-Garros winner Iga Swiatek and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

"Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day. Tried everything to recover but wasn’t enough. I’ll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season," Badosa wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-russias-daniil-medvedev-one-win-away-from-reclaiming-world-no-1-spot-466929">Miami Open: Russia's Daniil Medvedev one win away from reclaiming No. 1 spot</a>

Sinner's nightmare blisters meant Cerundolo's dream run continued, as he reached the semi-final in his first Masters 1000 main draw.

The 103rd-ranked Argentine battled past Americans Reilly Opelka and Frances Tiafoe and Frenchman Gael Monfils earlier in the tournament and now faces the victor of a meeting between fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev and world number eight Casper Ruud.

"It's everything (I've) dreamed of," the 23 year old said.

The early action at the Miami Open quarter-finals was cut short on Wednesday, when Spain's Paula Badosa retired from her match against Jessica Pegula and Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner did the same versus Francisco Cerundolo.

The early action at the Miami Open quarter-finals was cut short on Wednesday, when Spain's Paula Badosa retired from her match against Jessica Pegula and Italian ninth seed Jannik Sinner did the same versus Francisco Cerundolo. Officials said that Badosa had a viral illness, while Sinner called it quits as a result of foot blisters. Both were favourites to advance and retired at 4-1 down in the first set of their respective matches. Pegula, who will feature in her second WTA 1000 semi-final, lost her serve in the first game but immediately broke back, before converting again in the fourth game, dropping just one of 10 first-serve points in her limited time on the court. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic "I don't think I really thought she was going to retire, like maybe not that quickly, maybe a set or, if anything, but not that soon," the American told reporters. Pegula, who reached her second consecutive Australian Open quarter-final this year, will face the winner of a match between 2020 Roland-Garros winner Iga Swiatek and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. "Been struggling with illness since the last match the other day. Tried everything to recover but wasn’t enough. I’ll take some days to recover well and prepare for clay court season," Badosa wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Russia's Daniil Medvedev one win away from reclaiming No. 1 spot Sinner's nightmare blisters meant Cerundolo's dream run continued, as he reached the semi-final in his first Masters 1000 main draw. The 103rd-ranked Argentine battled past Americans Reilly Opelka and Frances Tiafoe and Frenchman Gael Monfils earlier in the tournament and now faces the victor of a meeting between fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev and world number eight Casper Ruud. "It's everything (I've) dreamed of," the 23 year old said.

Miami Open: Paula Badosa, Jannik Sinner retire in quarter-finals, Pegula, Cerundolo enter semis

India's Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza were knocked out of the Miami Open from their respective doubles events after contrasting quarterfinal defeats here.

Frequent partners since 2019, the Indo-Canadian pair of Bopanna and Denis&nbsp;Shapovalov&nbsp;went down 2-6 1-6 to sixth seeds Wesley Koolhof of Netherlands and Great Britain's Neal Skupski on Tuesday.

The unseeded pair of Bopanna and Shapovalov had stunned the top seeded Croatian duo of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in straight sets in the previous round.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-naomi-osaka-outclasses-danielle-collins-to-set-up-maiden-semifinal-date-against-belinda-bencic-466949">Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic</a>

Mirza and her Belgian partner Kirsten Flipkens fought hard but eventually lost 3-6 6-7 (3) to China's Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhaoxuan Yang in one hour 23 minutes.

Indian challenge, thus, ended at the ATP/WTA tournaments.

India's Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza were knocked out of the Miami Open from their respective doubles events after contrasting quarterfinal defeats here. Frequent partners since 2019, the Indo-Canadian pair of Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov went down 2-6 1-6 to sixth seeds Wesley Koolhof of Netherlands and Great Britain's Neal Skupski on Tuesday.

India's Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza were knocked out of the Miami Open from their respective doubles events after contrasting quarterfinal defeats here. Frequent partners since 2019, the Indo-Canadian pair of Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov went down 2-6 1-6 to sixth seeds Wesley Koolhof of Netherlands and Great Britain's Neal Skupski on Tuesday. The unseeded pair of Bopanna and Shapovalov had stunned the top seeded Croatian duo of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in straight sets in the previous round. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic Mirza and her Belgian partner Kirsten Flipkens fought hard but eventually lost 3-6 6-7 (3) to China's Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhaoxuan Yang in one hour 23 minutes. Indian challenge, thus, ended at the ATP/WTA tournaments.

Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov, Sania Mirza-Kirsten Flipkens crashes out in quarterfinals

Former world No.1 and winner of four Grand Slams, Naomi Osaka of Japan, lost only three games in her 6-2, 6-1 victory over No.9 seed Danielle Collins of the US to make it to her maiden Miami Open semifinal on Wednesday (IST).

The Florida native fired 13 aces against the Australian Open semifinalist en route to meeting defending champion Belinda Bencic of Switzerland in the last-four.

With the victory, the twice US Open and two-time Australian Open winner became the second Japanese woman to reach the last-four at the Miami Open since Kimiko Date Krumm did so in 1993 and 1995.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-russias-daniil-medvedev-one-win-away-from-reclaiming-world-no-1-spot-466929">Miami Open: Russia's Daniil Medvedev one win away from reclaiming No. 1 spot</a> 
 
If Osaka beats Bencic in the semifinal, it will be the 24-year-old Japanese player`s first WTA 1000 final since 2020. 
 
Osaka has not lost a set en route to the Miami semifinals, having defeated Astra Sharma of Australia, Angelique Kerber of Germany, Alison Riske of the US, and No.9 seed Collins.

She has now won nine of her last 10 quarterfinals and carries a strong record in semifinals into her match against Bencic, who she has yet to beat in a tour-level match, according to wtatennis.com. 
 
"I`m glad I was able to get through quickly. I focused on trying to hit a lot of really good returns," Osaka said following her 60-minute win. "This is actually my first night match too, so I didn't know what the conditions would be like." 
 
Miami will be Osaka's 18th career semifinal, with 16 having come on her favoured hard courts. The two exceptions came on grass at 2018 Nottingham and clay at 2019 Stuttgart. Since the start of 2019, Osaka is 6-1 in contested semifinals. 
 
"After Australia, I was training really hard every day," Osaka said. "I went to Indian Wells with the intention to do really well, and then I didn't. But (coach) Wim (Fissette) told me, 'listen, you're playing really well'. But it's hard to listen to someone tell you you're playing well without having the results to back it up. 
 
"I'm glad that, in a way, I don't have a good ranking, because I'm able to play the matches that I need to play. I feel like I'm the type of person that plays better with more matches, so actually having back-to-back matches benefits me a lot." Osaka is currently ranked No. 77 in the world. 
 
She will now turn her focus to Bencic, who has also looked in dominant form. Seeded No.22 this week, Bencic has not lost a set and has lost just 17 games across her four matches. On Wednesday, she defeated Daria Saville of Australia 6-1, 6-2.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-jannik-sinner-saves-five-match-points-to-beat-carreno-busta-coco-gauff-cameron-norrie-advance-466406">Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance</a> 
 
Osaka's solitary win against Bencic came on the ITF level back in 2013. The 25-year-old Swiss has beaten Osaka in their three matches on the WTA Tour, with their last meeting coming at the 2019 US Open Round of 16. 
 
"I get really emotional when I play people around my age or younger," Osaka said. "I don't know if it`s like this thing that I want to be better than them, but I just automatically put a lot of pressure on myself. I kind of acknowledged that after I lost to Coco (Gauff) that one year. I'm just like, you know what? I'm at an age there is going to be a bunch of young, really good players, and I have to respect them and know that they are here for a reason. I was once in their shoes. 
 
"I think my mentality was a very big part in my losses back then. Hopefully, it will be better, because I feel like I have kind of worked through it. So hopefully on Thursday, it will be more about tennis. She's a really good tennis player. She won the gold in Tokyo, which I really wanted to win. She's clearly ranked where she is for a reason."

Former world No.1 and winner of four Grand Slams, Naomi Osaka of Japan, lost only three games in her 6-2, 6-1 victory over No.9 seed Danielle Collins of the US to make it to her maiden Miami Open semifinal on Wednesday (IST).

Former world No.1 and winner of four Grand Slams, Naomi Osaka of Japan, lost only three games in her 6-2, 6-1 victory over No.9 seed Danielle Collins of the US to make it to her maiden Miami Open semifinal on Wednesday (IST). The Florida native fired 13 aces against the Australian Open semifinalist en route to meeting defending champion Belinda Bencic of Switzerland in the last-four. With the victory, the twice US Open and two-time Australian Open winner became the second Japanese woman to reach the last-four at the Miami Open since Kimiko Date Krumm did so in 1993 and 1995. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Russia's Daniil Medvedev one win away from reclaiming No. 1 spot If Osaka beats Bencic in the semifinal, it will be the 24-year-old Japanese player`s first WTA 1000 final since 2020. Osaka has not lost a set en route to the Miami semifinals, having defeated Astra Sharma of Australia, Angelique Kerber of Germany, Alison Riske of the US, and No.9 seed Collins. She has now won nine of her last 10 quarterfinals and carries a strong record in semifinals into her match against Bencic, who she has yet to beat in a tour-level match, according to wtatennis.com. "I`m glad I was able to get through quickly. I focused on trying to hit a lot of really good returns," Osaka said following her 60-minute win. "This is actually my first night match too, so I didn't know what the conditions would be like." Miami will be Osaka's 18th career semifinal, with 16 having come on her favoured hard courts. The two exceptions came on grass at 2018 Nottingham and clay at 2019 Stuttgart. Since the start of 2019, Osaka is 6-1 in contested semifinals. "After Australia, I was training really hard every day," Osaka said. "I went to Indian Wells with the intention to do really well, and then I didn't. But (coach) Wim (Fissette) told me, 'listen, you're playing really well'. But it's hard to listen to someone tell you you're playing well without having the results to back it up. "I'm glad that, in a way, I don't have a good ranking, because I'm able to play the matches that I need to play. I feel like I'm the type of person that plays better with more matches, so actually having back-to-back matches benefits me a lot." Osaka is currently ranked No. 77 in the world. She will now turn her focus to Bencic, who has also looked in dominant form. Seeded No.22 this week, Bencic has not lost a set and has lost just 17 games across her four matches. On Wednesday, she defeated Daria Saville of Australia 6-1, 6-2. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance Osaka's solitary win against Bencic came on the ITF level back in 2013. The 25-year-old Swiss has beaten Osaka in their three matches on the WTA Tour, with their last meeting coming at the 2019 US Open Round of 16. "I get really emotional when I play people around my age or younger," Osaka said. "I don't know if it`s like this thing that I want to be better than them, but I just automatically put a lot of pressure on myself. I kind of acknowledged that after I lost to Coco (Gauff) that one year. I'm just like, you know what? I'm at an age there is going to be a bunch of young, really good players, and I have to respect them and know that they are here for a reason. I was once in their shoes. "I think my mentality was a very big part in my losses back then. Hopefully, it will be better, because I feel like I have kind of worked through it. So hopefully on Thursday, it will be more about tennis. She's a really good tennis player. She won the gold in Tokyo, which I really wanted to win. She's clearly ranked where she is for a reason."

Miami Open: Naomi Osaka outclasses Danielle Collins to set up maiden semifinal date against Belinda Bencic

Daniil Medvedev is one win away from retaking the world number one spot after moving past American Jenson Brooksby 7-5 6-1 and into the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The U.S. Open champion lost his serve in the first game but found momentum after fending off two more break points in the fifth, winning the final four games of the first set in which he fired down six aces.

The Russian ripped through the second set in less than half an hour, dropping one first serve point.

"A crucial moment was when he didn't convert a double-break point for a double break so I managed to make him serve for the set and it's not always easy," said Medvedev.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-daniil-medvedev-outclasses-pedro-martinez-to-reach-last-16-naomi-osaka-storms-into-quarter-finals-466590">Miami Open: Daniil Medvedev outclasses Pedro Martinez to reach last 16, Naomi Osaka storms into quarter-finals</a>

"I felt sometimes I'm, let's say, kind of a low-intensity guy and try to keep my energy and see what's going on. I felt like today was not enough in the beginning so I tried to pump myself up."

The intensity will surely be high in his Masters 1000 quarter-final. If the Russian can beat his next opponent - either Lloyd Harris or eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz - he will replace Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings.

KYRGIOS EXITS

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios lost to Italian Jannik Sinner 7-6(3) 6-3 after a dispute with the chair umpire.

Kyrgios received a point penalty for bad behaviour in the first-set tiebreak and in between sets angrily and repeatedly asked the chair umpire "What is unsportsmanlike?" before walking to his bench and whacking his racket against the court.

The gesture earned him a game penalty, allowing Sinner to open the second set up a break.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-pair-stuns-croatias-nikola-mektic-mate-pavic-to-enter-quarters-466464">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters</a>

Elsewhere in the day's action, fourth-ranked German Alexander Zverev overcame a solid defensive effort from Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis to win 6-4 6-4 and set up a quarter-final clash with eighth-ranked Casper Ruud.

The Norwegian, who lost to Zverev in the Paris Masters quarter-finals in November, had earlier sent top British player Cameron Norrie packing 6-3 6-4 in the Grandstand.

"(Ruud is) somebody that really does not miss much," said Zverev. "He's somebody that tries to play aggressive with his forehand as well. Got to take away his strength in a way and we'll see how it goes tomorrow."

Daniil Medvedev is one win away from retaking the world number one spot after moving past American Jenson Brooksby 7-5 6-1 and into the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Daniil Medvedev is one win away from retaking the world number one spot after moving past American Jenson Brooksby 7-5 6-1 and into the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday. The U.S. Open champion lost his serve in the first game but found momentum after fending off two more break points in the fifth, winning the final four games of the first set in which he fired down six aces. The Russian ripped through the second set in less than half an hour, dropping one first serve point. "A crucial moment was when he didn't convert a double-break point for a double break so I managed to make him serve for the set and it's not always easy," said Medvedev. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Daniil Medvedev outclasses Pedro Martinez to reach last 16, Naomi Osaka storms into quarter-finals "I felt sometimes I'm, let's say, kind of a low-intensity guy and try to keep my energy and see what's going on. I felt like today was not enough in the beginning so I tried to pump myself up." The intensity will surely be high in his Masters 1000 quarter-final. If the Russian can beat his next opponent - either Lloyd Harris or eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz - he will replace Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings. KYRGIOS EXITS Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios lost to Italian Jannik Sinner 7-6(3) 6-3 after a dispute with the chair umpire. Kyrgios received a point penalty for bad behaviour in the first-set tiebreak and in between sets angrily and repeatedly asked the chair umpire "What is unsportsmanlike?" before walking to his bench and whacking his racket against the court. The gesture earned him a game penalty, allowing Sinner to open the second set up a break. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters Elsewhere in the day's action, fourth-ranked German Alexander Zverev overcame a solid defensive effort from Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis to win 6-4 6-4 and set up a quarter-final clash with eighth-ranked Casper Ruud. The Norwegian, who lost to Zverev in the Paris Masters quarter-finals in November, had earlier sent top British player Cameron Norrie packing 6-3 6-4 in the Grandstand. "(Ruud is) somebody that really does not miss much," said Zverev. "He's somebody that tries to play aggressive with his forehand as well. Got to take away his strength in a way and we'll see how it goes tomorrow."

Miami Open: Russia's Daniil Medvedev one win away from reclaiming No. 1 spot

Top seed Daniil Medvedev moved a step closer to reclaiming the world number one ranking as he beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 on Monday to reach the last 16 at the Miami Open while Naomi Osaka cruised into the quarter-finals of the women's draw.

Medvedev, who can replace Novak Djokovic on top of the world rankings if he reaches the Miami semi-finals, fired down 14 aces, won 79% of his first-serve points and broke Martinez three times to secure victory in 84 minutes.

"I just felt like I had to be more consistent, and the more consistent one today would win," Medvedev said.

"I managed to just make a few less errors at important moments, serve even better, and it was a small margin but I managed to win and I'm really happy."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-pair-stuns-croatias-nikola-mektic-mate-pavic-to-enter-quarters-466464">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters</a>

Up next for the Russian, who lost his world number one ranking after a surprise third-round loss at Indian Wells two weeks ago, will be American Jenson Brooksby, a 6-3 5-7 6-4 winner over Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz will meet Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a mouth-watering fourth-round clash after both enjoyed straight-set wins over Marin Cilic and Alex de Minaur respectively.

The 18-year-old Alcaraz beat Tsitsipas in their only previous meeting, a five-set thriller in the third round of last year's U.S. Open.

"He is a great player," Tsitsipas said of Alcaraz.

"For me it will be a great challenge, the ones that I like."

Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz converted both of his break point opportunities to dispatch fellow American Tommy Paul 7-6(2) 6-4 and will meet Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, a 7-6(4) 6-3 winner over Sebastian Korda.

Fritz said it is all about managing expectations.

"I didn't really think about winning Indian Wells until I had match point in the final," he said.

"So I'm approaching this one the same way. I don't expect to win the tournament, but I take it one match at a time, and you never know."

OSAKA SERVES UP WIN

Japan's Osaka reached the quarter-finals for a second consecutive year with a 6-3 6-4 win over American Alison Riske during which she won 70% of her first-serve points and recovered after falling behind 2-0 in the second set.

After the match the unseeded Osaka expressed how she is in a different state of mind than last year when arriving at the Miami Open ranked second after winning the Australian Open.

"It's really funny for me because last year I made it to the (Miami) quarters too but it was after I won Australia and I wasn`t that grateful, I kind of expected to win," said Osaka.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-jannik-sinner-saves-five-match-points-to-beat-carreno-busta-coco-gauff-cameron-norrie-advance-466406">Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance</a>

"But I'm in the same position this year and I am so like, this is really like one of the funnest times of my life."

Standing between four-times Grand Slam champion Osaka and a first Miami semi-final spot will be ninth-seeded Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins, who beat Tunisian eighth seed Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-4.

Poland's new world number one Iga Swiatek eased past 14th seed Coco Gauff 6-3 6-1 and will next face Petra Kvitova after the Czech defeated Veronika Kudermatova 7-6(5) 6-4 to reach the quarters.

Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa closes out the evening session against Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev moved a step closer to reclaiming the world number one ranking as he beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 on Monday to reach the last 16 at the Miami Open while Naomi Osaka cruised into the quarter-finals of the women's draw.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev moved a step closer to reclaiming the world number one ranking as he beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-4 on Monday to reach the last 16 at the Miami Open while Naomi Osaka cruised into the quarter-finals of the women's draw. Medvedev, who can replace Novak Djokovic on top of the world rankings if he reaches the Miami semi-finals, fired down 14 aces, won 79% of his first-serve points and broke Martinez three times to secure victory in 84 minutes. "I just felt like I had to be more consistent, and the more consistent one today would win," Medvedev said. "I managed to just make a few less errors at important moments, serve even better, and it was a small margin but I managed to win and I'm really happy." ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters Up next for the Russian, who lost his world number one ranking after a surprise third-round loss at Indian Wells two weeks ago, will be American Jenson Brooksby, a 6-3 5-7 6-4 winner over Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut. Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz will meet Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a mouth-watering fourth-round clash after both enjoyed straight-set wins over Marin Cilic and Alex de Minaur respectively. The 18-year-old Alcaraz beat Tsitsipas in their only previous meeting, a five-set thriller in the third round of last year's U.S. Open. "He is a great player," Tsitsipas said of Alcaraz. "For me it will be a great challenge, the ones that I like." Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz converted both of his break point opportunities to dispatch fellow American Tommy Paul 7-6(2) 6-4 and will meet Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, a 7-6(4) 6-3 winner over Sebastian Korda. Fritz said it is all about managing expectations. "I didn't really think about winning Indian Wells until I had match point in the final," he said. "So I'm approaching this one the same way. I don't expect to win the tournament, but I take it one match at a time, and you never know." OSAKA SERVES UP WIN Japan's Osaka reached the quarter-finals for a second consecutive year with a 6-3 6-4 win over American Alison Riske during which she won 70% of her first-serve points and recovered after falling behind 2-0 in the second set. After the match the unseeded Osaka expressed how she is in a different state of mind than last year when arriving at the Miami Open ranked second after winning the Australian Open. "It's really funny for me because last year I made it to the (Miami) quarters too but it was after I won Australia and I wasn`t that grateful, I kind of expected to win," said Osaka. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance "But I'm in the same position this year and I am so like, this is really like one of the funnest times of my life." Standing between four-times Grand Slam champion Osaka and a first Miami semi-final spot will be ninth-seeded Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins, who beat Tunisian eighth seed Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-4. Poland's new world number one Iga Swiatek eased past 14th seed Coco Gauff 6-3 6-1 and will next face Petra Kvitova after the Czech defeated Veronika Kudermatova 7-6(5) 6-4 to reach the quarters. Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa closes out the evening session against Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova.

Miami Open: Daniil Medvedev outclasses Pedro Martinez to reach last 16, Naomi Osaka storms into quarter-finals

India's Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner Denis Shapovalov stunned top seeded Croatian pair of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in straight sets to enter men's doubles quarterfinals at the Miami Open tennis tournament here.

The unseeded Indo-Canadian pair surprised Mektic and Pavic 6-3 7-6(3) in a second round doubles match on Sunday.

Bopanna and Shapovalov will now face the sixth seeded pair of Wesley Koolhof of Netherlands and Great Britain's Neal Skupski for a place in the semifinals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-jannik-sinner-saves-five-match-points-to-beat-carreno-busta-coco-gauff-cameron-norrie-advance-466406">Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance</a>

Koolhof and Skupski defeated Spanish-Italian combination of Pedro Martinez and Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 7-6(8) in the second round.

Bopanna and Shapovalov earlier registered a fighting 6-7(5) 6-2 10-3 win over Marceloa Avrevalo of El Salvador and Jean-Juien Rojer of Netherlands in the opening round of the ATP Masters 1000 event.

India's Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner Denis Shapovalov stunned top seeded Croatian pair of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in straight sets to enter men's doubles quarterfinals at the Miami Open tennis tournament here.

India's Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner Denis Shapovalov stunned top seeded Croatian pair of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in straight sets to enter men's doubles quarterfinals at the Miami Open tennis tournament here. The unseeded Indo-Canadian pair surprised Mektic and Pavic 6-3 7-6(3) in a second round doubles match on Sunday. Bopanna and Shapovalov will now face the sixth seeded pair of Wesley Koolhof of Netherlands and Great Britain's Neal Skupski for a place in the semifinals. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance Koolhof and Skupski defeated Spanish-Italian combination of Pedro Martinez and Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 7-6(8) in the second round. Bopanna and Shapovalov earlier registered a fighting 6-7(5) 6-2 10-3 win over Marceloa Avrevalo of El Salvador and Jean-Juien Rojer of Netherlands in the opening round of the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16.

Carreno Busta had Sinner on the ropes in the 10th game of the second set, nearly breaking him for the match before the Italian recovered to hold serve and convert on a chance in the next game.

They traded breaks in the third before a marathon 10th game in which the Spaniard almost broke his opponent for the win four times.

World number 11 Sinner survived and converted on a chance in the next game to seize the advantage. Serving for the match, he clinched the affair with a forehand winner as the crowd leapt to its feet and cheered.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-hubert-hurkacz-on-course-for-title-defence-medvedev-topples-murray-naomi-osaka-gets-walkover-465902">Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover</a>

The 2021 runner-up next faces Australian Nick Kyrgios, who put in a clinical performance to down Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-4, dropping just five first-serve points.

Zverev made short work of American Mackenzie McDonald, winning 6-2 6-2 in 73 minutes to set up a last 16 meeting with Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who came through a tight contest against Denis Kudla 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(4).

Also reaching the next round was Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Gael Monfils 6-2 6-3, but it was the end of the road for his younger brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who lost 6-3 6-2 to Frances Tiafoe.

GAUFF ADVANCES

American Coco Gauff kept alive her bid for a maiden WTA 1000 title, firing off five aces to overcome China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(1) 7-5.

"I just kind of mentally was hanging in there. I wasn't playing my best," Gauff told reporters. "I knew it was going to be a tough match, and I was glad that I was able to pull it out today."

British number one Cameron Norrie overcame a slow start to beat Frenchman Hugo Gaston 6-3 7-5.

Norrie, who triumphed at Indian Wells last year and won at Delray Beach five weeks ago, opened the contest by dropping serve but kept his nerve as three break points went begging in the next game before he finally converted the fourth.

Norrie fired down his seventh ace on his eighth match point to set up a meeting with world number eight Casper Ruud, who has beaten the Briton on both of their previous meetings.

Ruud dispatched Alexander Bublik 6-3 6-2 in less than an hour and had the best seat in the house when his Kazakh opponent produced a highlight-reel-worthy shot in the second set.

Bublik flipped his racquet over and tapped an overhead shot with the handle.

"You will be on Tennis TV like always," Ruud quipped to Bublik.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-nick-kyrgios-storms-into-second-round-naomi-osaka-wins-first-match-since-heckling-incident-465131">Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident</a>

Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa scored a 6-3 6-2 win over Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva, who was so frustrated with her display she slammed her racquet into the ground with such force that it flew back up and almost hit her.

Last year's Indian Wells champion Badosa next faces 16-year-old Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova, who advanced after former world number one Victoria Azarenka retired midway through the second set.

Fruhvirtova was leading 6-2 3-0 when Azarenka informed the chair umpire that she was done and walked briskly off the court.

"I don't even know how to describe it," Fruhvirtova said courtside. "It's what I've always dreamed of, playing in these big stadiums in front of so many people.

"It's definitely a dream come true."

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16.

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16. Carreno Busta had Sinner on the ropes in the 10th game of the second set, nearly breaking him for the match before the Italian recovered to hold serve and convert on a chance in the next game. They traded breaks in the third before a marathon 10th game in which the Spaniard almost broke his opponent for the win four times. World number 11 Sinner survived and converted on a chance in the next game to seize the advantage. Serving for the match, he clinched the affair with a forehand winner as the crowd leapt to its feet and cheered. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover The 2021 runner-up next faces Australian Nick Kyrgios, who put in a clinical performance to down Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-4, dropping just five first-serve points. Zverev made short work of American Mackenzie McDonald, winning 6-2 6-2 in 73 minutes to set up a last 16 meeting with Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who came through a tight contest against Denis Kudla 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(4). Also reaching the next round was Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Gael Monfils 6-2 6-3, but it was the end of the road for his younger brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who lost 6-3 6-2 to Frances Tiafoe. GAUFF ADVANCES American Coco Gauff kept alive her bid for a maiden WTA 1000 title, firing off five aces to overcome China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(1) 7-5. "I just kind of mentally was hanging in there. I wasn't playing my best," Gauff told reporters. "I knew it was going to be a tough match, and I was glad that I was able to pull it out today." British number one Cameron Norrie overcame a slow start to beat Frenchman Hugo Gaston 6-3 7-5. Norrie, who triumphed at Indian Wells last year and won at Delray Beach five weeks ago, opened the contest by dropping serve but kept his nerve as three break points went begging in the next game before he finally converted the fourth. Norrie fired down his seventh ace on his eighth match point to set up a meeting with world number eight Casper Ruud, who has beaten the Briton on both of their previous meetings. Ruud dispatched Alexander Bublik 6-3 6-2 in less than an hour and had the best seat in the house when his Kazakh opponent produced a highlight-reel-worthy shot in the second set. Bublik flipped his racquet over and tapped an overhead shot with the handle. "You will be on Tennis TV like always," Ruud quipped to Bublik. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa scored a 6-3 6-2 win over Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva, who was so frustrated with her display she slammed her racquet into the ground with such force that it flew back up and almost hit her. Last year's Indian Wells champion Badosa next faces 16-year-old Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova, who advanced after former world number one Victoria Azarenka retired midway through the second set. Fruhvirtova was leading 6-2 3-0 when Azarenka informed the chair umpire that she was done and walked briskly off the court. "I don't even know how to describe it," Fruhvirtova said courtside. "It's what I've always dreamed of, playing in these big stadiums in front of so many people. "It's definitely a dream come true."

Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover.

Rinderknech was unable to convert his sole break point in the first set and lost the momentum altogether after the tiebreak, as the 10th-ranked Pole won the first four games of the second set of their second-round clash.

Reigning U.S. Open champion Medvedev never faced a break and proved too nimble for three-times Grand Slam winner Murray, dropping just two of his first-serve points in the second set as he won 6-4 6-2.

"Playing against Andy is never easy," said Russian Medvedev, who is on a quest to regain his number-one ranking. "Managed to serve well, and I think that was one of the keys today."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iga-swiatek-set-to-become-polands-first-world-no-1-in-tennis-history-after-win-against-golubic-in-miami-open-465724">Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open</a>

Japan's Osaka advanced to the fourth round on a walkover after Czech Karolina Muchova withdrew following an injury she sustained during warm-ups.

The four-times Grand Slam champion will next face Alison Riske, who defeated Ann Li 6-2 3-6 6-3 in an all-American clash.

Muchova's was the latest injury to mar the women's field in Miami after Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep pulled out on Thursday.

TSITSIPAS PULLS AWAY LATE, ALCARAZ GETS FIRST MIAMI WIN

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas held off strong resistance from American qualifier J.J. Wolf and won 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1.

The Greek, who hit 37 winners, will next face Alex de Minaur who defeated fellow Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 6-3.

"He's a fighter," Tsitsipas said of de Minaur. "I really hope to bring out the same kind of level that I brought in the third set and maintain that throughout the match."

Spain's 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz secured his maiden win at the Miami event with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-former-world-no-1-simona-halep-pulls-out-with-leg-injury-set-to-miss-three-weeks-465454">Miami Open: Former World No. 1 Simona Halep pulls out with leg injury, set to miss three weeks</a>

Fresh from collecting the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells, American Taylor Fritz survived a surprise test from Kazakhstani qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin to win 6-3 5-7 6-3.

Kukushkin put up a strong defence, with eight of 11 break points saved, but struggled against his opponent`s powerful serve, with the 13th-ranked Fritz launching 10 aces.

Fritz drew a picture of the sun and the caption "x 2?" on the on-court camera after the match - a hint that he perhaps was chasing tennis's elusive "sunshine double" of Indian Wells and Miami - but said afterwards that the gesture was intended as a joke.

"I'm not coming here expecting to win the tournament or anything. I'm going into it with the same mentality as Indian Wells," he said in a televised interview. "Take it one match at a time."

Fritz's Indian Wells quarter-final opponent, Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, dispatched seventh-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 and Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut moved past Pole Kamil Majchrzak 6-3 6-3.

SHAPOVALOV, KHACHANOV KNOCKED OUT

Canadian Denis Shapovalov lost 6-3 6-4 to Lloyd Harris of South Africa, American Jenson Brooksby defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-1 and Marin Cilic beat Alexei Popyrin 6-0 6-3.

Karen Khachanov lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) to Tommy Paul, Daniel Evans suffered a 3-6 6-4 6-3 defeat by qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka and Cristian Garin was knocked out 7-6(2) 6-2 by Pedro Martinez.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-nick-kyrgios-storms-into-second-round-naomi-osaka-wins-first-match-since-heckling-incident-465131">Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident</a>

Aslan Karatsev won 7-5 6-2 against Ugo Humbert and Sebastian Korda beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3.

In the women's field, Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins of the United States beat Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-4, while Olympic champion Belinda Bencic eased past Britain's Heather Watson 6-4 6-1.

Swiss Bencic, who suffered early exits from Indian Wells earlier this month and Doha in February, launched five aces across the net as Watson struggled on the return and was only able to convert one of eight break points.

In the late contest, Tunisian world number 10 Ons Jabeur defeated Estonia's Kaia Kanepi 6-3 6-0.

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover.

Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces to topple France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(5) 6-2 and keep his title defence going at the Miami Open on Saturday as world number two Daniil Medvedev sent twice winner Andy Murray packing and Naomi Osaka advanced on a walkover. Rinderknech was unable to convert his sole break point in the first set and lost the momentum altogether after the tiebreak, as the 10th-ranked Pole won the first four games of the second set of their second-round clash. Reigning U.S. Open champion Medvedev never faced a break and proved too nimble for three-times Grand Slam winner Murray, dropping just two of his first-serve points in the second set as he won 6-4 6-2. "Playing against Andy is never easy," said Russian Medvedev, who is on a quest to regain his number-one ranking. "Managed to serve well, and I think that was one of the keys today." ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open Japan's Osaka advanced to the fourth round on a walkover after Czech Karolina Muchova withdrew following an injury she sustained during warm-ups. The four-times Grand Slam champion will next face Alison Riske, who defeated Ann Li 6-2 3-6 6-3 in an all-American clash. Muchova's was the latest injury to mar the women's field in Miami after Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep pulled out on Thursday. TSITSIPAS PULLS AWAY LATE, ALCARAZ GETS FIRST MIAMI WIN World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas held off strong resistance from American qualifier J.J. Wolf and won 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1. The Greek, who hit 37 winners, will next face Alex de Minaur who defeated fellow Australian Jordan Thompson 6-2 6-3. "He's a fighter," Tsitsipas said of de Minaur. "I really hope to bring out the same kind of level that I brought in the third set and maintain that throughout the match." Spain's 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz secured his maiden win at the Miami event with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Former World No. 1 Simona Halep pulls out with leg injury, set to miss three weeks Fresh from collecting the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells, American Taylor Fritz survived a surprise test from Kazakhstani qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin to win 6-3 5-7 6-3. Kukushkin put up a strong defence, with eight of 11 break points saved, but struggled against his opponent`s powerful serve, with the 13th-ranked Fritz launching 10 aces. Fritz drew a picture of the sun and the caption "x 2?" on the on-court camera after the match - a hint that he perhaps was chasing tennis's elusive "sunshine double" of Indian Wells and Miami - but said afterwards that the gesture was intended as a joke. "I'm not coming here expecting to win the tournament or anything. I'm going into it with the same mentality as Indian Wells," he said in a televised interview. "Take it one match at a time." Fritz's Indian Wells quarter-final opponent, Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, dispatched seventh-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 and Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut moved past Pole Kamil Majchrzak 6-3 6-3. SHAPOVALOV, KHACHANOV KNOCKED OUT Canadian Denis Shapovalov lost 6-3 6-4 to Lloyd Harris of South Africa, American Jenson Brooksby defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-1 and Marin Cilic beat Alexei Popyrin 6-0 6-3. Karen Khachanov lost 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) to Tommy Paul, Daniel Evans suffered a 3-6 6-4 6-3 defeat by qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka and Cristian Garin was knocked out 7-6(2) 6-2 by Pedro Martinez. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident Aslan Karatsev won 7-5 6-2 against Ugo Humbert and Sebastian Korda beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3. In the women's field, Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins of the United States beat Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-4, while Olympic champion Belinda Bencic eased past Britain's Heather Watson 6-4 6-1. Swiss Bencic, who suffered early exits from Indian Wells earlier this month and Doha in February, launched five aces across the net as Watson struggled on the return and was only able to convert one of eight break points. In the late contest, Tunisian world number 10 Ons Jabeur defeated Estonia's Kaia Kanepi 6-3 6-0.

Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday.

Rublev looked good at the start, building a 2-1 lead after breaking Kyrgios in the early stages of the first set.

But it was all downhill from there for the Russian though as Kyrgios piled up the winners and put pressure on Rublev's serve by stepping into the court to take the ball early.

"I don't think I played unbelievable, I just played the right way," Kyrgios told Tennis Channel.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-kidambi-srikanth-beats-denmarks-anders-antonsen-to-enter-mens-singles-semi-final-465735">Swiss Open: Kidambi Srikanth beats Denmark's Anders Antonsen to enter men's singles semi-final</a>

"Against Rublev, you know he wants to try and dictate, to have a lot of rhythm, and I didn't give him that today. I tried to slap as many winners as I could, serve well and get up the court on my return and it worked."

Kyrgios, who has won five of his last six matches, will next play Italian Fabio Fognini, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 6-7(1) 6-2 7-6(5) earlier in the day.

Zverev, having split the first two sets against Croatian Coric, served his way out of trouble in the first game of the third set and fended off a break point while serving up 5-3 en route to the hard-fought win.

The German, who fired down 12 aces and only committed one double fault, said his more aggressive approach was the difference in the contest.

"The last few matches I was losing close three-set matches because I felt I wasn't going for it," said Zverev, who fell to Tommy Paul in a tight three-setter in the second round of Indian Wells earlier this month.

"Today I felt like if I'm going to lose, I`m going to go for it. That worked out and hopefully it will in the next match as well."

Zverev said he will have his hands full when he faces either American Mackenzie McDonald or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iga-swiatek-set-to-become-polands-first-world-no-1-in-tennis-history-after-win-against-golubic-in-miami-open-465724">Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open</a>

"Grigor is playing extremely well right now. He made the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, playing at an extremely high level, but Mackie is good on the fast surfaces, which it is here," he said.

Elsewhere in second-round action, Italy's ninth seed Jannik Sinner beat Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in the best match of the tournament so far, rifling a forehand service return winner to seal a 6-4 3-6 7-6(8) victory.

World number 11 Sinner will next face Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat David Goffin of Belgium 6-3 6-2.

Frenchman Hugo Gaston overcame 22 aces from American John Isner to advance 7-6(5) 6-4 and 10th seed Cameron Norrie came out on the winning side of an all British battle with Jack Draper 7-6(5) 6-4 at the Masters 1000 tournament.

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday.

Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios needed 51 minutes to stun world number seven Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 and Alexander Zverev's superior serving led to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Borna Coric in second-round action at the Miami Open on Friday. Rublev looked good at the start, building a 2-1 lead after breaking Kyrgios in the early stages of the first set. But it was all downhill from there for the Russian though as Kyrgios piled up the winners and put pressure on Rublev's serve by stepping into the court to take the ball early. "I don't think I played unbelievable, I just played the right way," Kyrgios told Tennis Channel. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: Kidambi Srikanth beats Denmark's Anders Antonsen to enter men's singles semi-final "Against Rublev, you know he wants to try and dictate, to have a lot of rhythm, and I didn't give him that today. I tried to slap as many winners as I could, serve well and get up the court on my return and it worked." Kyrgios, who has won five of his last six matches, will next play Italian Fabio Fognini, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 6-7(1) 6-2 7-6(5) earlier in the day. Zverev, having split the first two sets against Croatian Coric, served his way out of trouble in the first game of the third set and fended off a break point while serving up 5-3 en route to the hard-fought win. The German, who fired down 12 aces and only committed one double fault, said his more aggressive approach was the difference in the contest. "The last few matches I was losing close three-set matches because I felt I wasn't going for it," said Zverev, who fell to Tommy Paul in a tight three-setter in the second round of Indian Wells earlier this month. "Today I felt like if I'm going to lose, I`m going to go for it. That worked out and hopefully it will in the next match as well." Zverev said he will have his hands full when he faces either American Mackenzie McDonald or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open "Grigor is playing extremely well right now. He made the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, playing at an extremely high level, but Mackie is good on the fast surfaces, which it is here," he said. Elsewhere in second-round action, Italy's ninth seed Jannik Sinner beat Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in the best match of the tournament so far, rifling a forehand service return winner to seal a 6-4 3-6 7-6(8) victory. World number 11 Sinner will next face Pablo Carreno Busta, who beat David Goffin of Belgium 6-3 6-2. Frenchman Hugo Gaston overcame 22 aces from American John Isner to advance 7-6(5) 6-4 and 10th seed Cameron Norrie came out on the winning side of an all British battle with Jack Draper 7-6(5) 6-4 at the Masters 1000 tournament.

Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios crushes Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev fights past Borna Coric to enter 3rd round

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history.

After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.1 ranking.

It will become official on Monday, April 4, when the newly retired Ashleigh Barty's name will come off the list at her request.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-pv-sindhu-h-s-prannoy-storm-into-semis-with-victories-in-respective-women-men-singles-events-465529">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, H S Prannoy storm into semis with victories in respective women, men singles events</a>

Swiatek becomes the 28th woman to reach the WTA summit. By comparison, since the rankings were introduced in 1975, there have been 184 major tournaments, with 52 different women winning titles.

She's the youngest player to make her No.1 debut since Caroline Wozniacki, who was 216 days younger, in 2010.

Swiatek is currently the WTA's most in-form player. She's on a career-best 12-match winning streak and has a tour-high 21 wins this year, with WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Indian Wells.

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history. After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.

The 20-year-old Iga Swiatek is set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history. After her 6-2, 6-0 victory over Viktorija Golubic on Friday night at the Miami Open, Swiatek secured the WTA Tour's No.1 ranking. It will become official on Monday, April 4, when the newly retired Ashleigh Barty's name will come off the list at her request. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, H S Prannoy storm into semis with victories in respective women, men singles events Swiatek becomes the 28th woman to reach the WTA summit. By comparison, since the rankings were introduced in 1975, there have been 184 major tournaments, with 52 different women winning titles. She's the youngest player to make her No.1 debut since Caroline Wozniacki, who was 216 days younger, in 2010. Swiatek is currently the WTA's most in-form player. She's on a career-best 12-match winning streak and has a tour-high 21 wins this year, with WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Indian Wells.

Iga Swiatek set to become Poland's first World No. 1 in tennis history after win against Golubic in Miami Open

Simona Halep withdrew from the Miami Open ahead of her second-round match on Thursday with a leg injury that the former world number one said will keep her out of action for three weeks.

Romanian world number 19 Halep, who reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells last week and had a first-round bye in Miami, said she felt a sharp pain in her left leg while practicing for her match with Australian wild card Daria Saville.

"I had been struggling with the thigh since my semi-final in Indian Wells and hoped it would improve, but I went for an MRI last night and unfortunately it showed a tear," twice Grand Slam champion Halep wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-nick-kyrgios-storms-into-second-round-naomi-osaka-wins-first-match-since-heckling-incident-465131">Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident</a>

"My body needs time to heal and as a result I will be out of competition for three weeks. This means I have had to make the super-tough decision to pull out of Miami, Charleston and Fed Cup."

At Indian Wells, Halep recorded wins over Coco Gauff, Sorana Cirstea and Petra Martic before losing to eventual champion Iga Swiatek in her first WTA 1000 semi-final since her 2020 Rome title run.

Despite the 30-year-old's injury setback Halep said she was encouraged by her start to the year, which included reaching the last 16 at the Australian Open, and hoped to be ready for the claycourt season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-pv-sindhu-ashwini-ponnappa-n-sikki-reddy-advances-to-second-round-arjun-kapila-crashes-out-465118">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, Ashwini Ponnappa-N Sikki Reddy advances to second round; Arjun-Kapila crashes out</a>

"While it feels like really disappointing news to share, I am keeping the confidence from my great start to the year and am motivated to do everything to be ready for the clay-court season," said Halep.

The men's ATP Tour announced later on Thursday that world number six Matteo Berrettini had also withdrawn from the Miami event, without mentioning the reason.

Berrettini was due to face Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first round. The Italian will be replaced by a lucky loser, the ATP said.

Simona Halep withdrew from the Miami Open ahead of her second-round match on Thursday with a leg injury that the former world number one said will keep her out of action for three weeks.

Simona Halep withdrew from the Miami Open ahead of her second-round match on Thursday with a leg injury that the former world number one said will keep her out of action for three weeks. Romanian world number 19 Halep, who reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells last week and had a first-round bye in Miami, said she felt a sharp pain in her left leg while practicing for her match with Australian wild card Daria Saville. "I had been struggling with the thigh since my semi-final in Indian Wells and hoped it would improve, but I went for an MRI last night and unfortunately it showed a tear," twice Grand Slam champion Halep wrote on Twitter. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident "My body needs time to heal and as a result I will be out of competition for three weeks. This means I have had to make the super-tough decision to pull out of Miami, Charleston and Fed Cup." At Indian Wells, Halep recorded wins over Coco Gauff, Sorana Cirstea and Petra Martic before losing to eventual champion Iga Swiatek in her first WTA 1000 semi-final since her 2020 Rome title run. Despite the 30-year-old's injury setback Halep said she was encouraged by her start to the year, which included reaching the last 16 at the Australian Open, and hoped to be ready for the claycourt season. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu, Ashwini Ponnappa-N Sikki Reddy advances to second round; Arjun-Kapila crashes out "While it feels like really disappointing news to share, I am keeping the confidence from my great start to the year and am motivated to do everything to be ready for the clay-court season," said Halep. The men's ATP Tour announced later on Thursday that world number six Matteo Berrettini had also withdrawn from the Miami event, without mentioning the reason. Berrettini was due to face Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the first round. The Italian will be replaced by a lucky loser, the ATP said.

Miami Open: Former World No. 1 Simona Halep pulls out with leg injury, set to miss three weeks

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma.

Wildcard Kyrgios fired down 12 aces and did not face a single breakpoint in his 7-6(3) 6-3 win.

"It was a hell of a performance," Kyrgios said. "Getting on late, it wasn’t easy. So I'm really proud of myself with the way I responded. I felt good, I competed well today against a tough opponent."

The Australian said he would be a "complete underdog" in his second-round match against Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ash-barty-has-always-done-things-her-own-way-shocked-ricky-ponting-on-tennis-greats-retirement-464896">Exclusive! Ash Barty has always done things her own way: Shocked Ricky Ponting on tennis great's retirement</a>

"But I feel confident. If I'm serving well and play well from the back, I can beat anyone," he added.

Earlier, Osaka was cheered on to a 6-3 6-4 win over Australia's Sharma.

Osaka was in complete command right from the moment she stepped onto the Hard Rock Stadium court, never allowing Sharma a single break opportunity while keeping her 96th-ranked opponent under constant pressure, converting two of 11 breakpoints.

After the match, Osaka soaked up the applause from the sparse crowd in what was a far different atmosphere from 11 days earlier in Indian Wells when she fought back tears after being heckled during a second-round loss to Veronika Kudermetova.

"This is like my home tournament," smiled Osaka during her on-court interview, prompting a round of cheers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-champion-in-every-sense-of-the-word-stars-pay-tribute-to-retiring-world-no-1-ashleigh-barty-464814">'A champion in every sense of the word': Tennis stars pay tribute to retiring World No 1 Ashleigh Barty</a>

"Honestly I just didn't want to let anything bother me today no matter what happened, like the last match I played was not the greatest memory for me."

"I just wanted to prove I could come back out here and compete and no matter if I won or lost just know I had the best attitude that I could."

A four-times Grand Slam champion, Japan's Osaka has seen her ranking fall to 77th coming into the tournament after she took a break from tennis following last year's U.S. Open to prioritise her mental health.

Osaka's mental health struggles first manifested themselves at the 2021 French Open when she withdrew from the Grand Slam after deciding to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression.

She has taken breaks from the sport on several occasions and said after her match on Wednesday that she was seeing a therapist.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-out-of-action-for-six-weeks-with-stress-fracture-ahead-of-french-open-2022-464648">Rafael Nadal out of action for six weeks with stress fracture ahead of French Open 2022</a>

Osaka said the decision to finally seek out professional help came after her sister expressed concern for her.

"I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells," said Osaka, after setting up a second-round clash with another former world number one Angelique Kerber. "It only took like a year after the French Open.

"I feel like I've been trying a lot of different things because I tend to internalise things, and I also want to do everything by myself."

"The mind is such a big thing. If you can get a professional to help you out .5%, that alone is worth it."

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma.

Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed a comfortable victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday, while former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Astra Sharma. Wildcard Kyrgios fired down 12 aces and did not face a single breakpoint in his 7-6(3) 6-3 win. "It was a hell of a performance," Kyrgios said. "Getting on late, it wasn’t easy. So I'm really proud of myself with the way I responded. I felt good, I competed well today against a tough opponent." The Australian said he would be a "complete underdog" in his second-round match against Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev. ALSO READ: Exclusive! Ash Barty has always done things her own way: Shocked Ricky Ponting on tennis great's retirement "But I feel confident. If I'm serving well and play well from the back, I can beat anyone," he added. Earlier, Osaka was cheered on to a 6-3 6-4 win over Australia's Sharma. Osaka was in complete command right from the moment she stepped onto the Hard Rock Stadium court, never allowing Sharma a single break opportunity while keeping her 96th-ranked opponent under constant pressure, converting two of 11 breakpoints. After the match, Osaka soaked up the applause from the sparse crowd in what was a far different atmosphere from 11 days earlier in Indian Wells when she fought back tears after being heckled during a second-round loss to Veronika Kudermetova. "This is like my home tournament," smiled Osaka during her on-court interview, prompting a round of cheers. ALSO READ: 'A champion in every sense of the word': Tennis stars pay tribute to retiring World No 1 Ashleigh Barty "Honestly I just didn't want to let anything bother me today no matter what happened, like the last match I played was not the greatest memory for me." "I just wanted to prove I could come back out here and compete and no matter if I won or lost just know I had the best attitude that I could." A four-times Grand Slam champion, Japan's Osaka has seen her ranking fall to 77th coming into the tournament after she took a break from tennis following last year's U.S. Open to prioritise her mental health. Osaka's mental health struggles first manifested themselves at the 2021 French Open when she withdrew from the Grand Slam after deciding to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression. She has taken breaks from the sport on several occasions and said after her match on Wednesday that she was seeing a therapist. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal out of action for six weeks with stress fracture ahead of French Open 2022 Osaka said the decision to finally seek out professional help came after her sister expressed concern for her. "I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells," said Osaka, after setting up a second-round clash with another former world number one Angelique Kerber. "It only took like a year after the French Open. "I feel like I've been trying a lot of different things because I tend to internalise things, and I also want to do everything by myself." "The mind is such a big thing. If you can get a professional to help you out .5%, that alone is worth it."

Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident

World number one Ash Barty on Thursday withdrew from the Indian Wells and the Miami Open tennis tournaments, saying her body has not recovered after her January triumph at the Australian Open.

The 25-year-old Australian has struggled with shoulder, back and foot injuries during her career, in which she has won three different Grand Slam events.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cricket-star-rod-marsh-dies-at-74-458769">Australian cricket star Rod Marsh dies at 74</a>

"Unfortunately, my body has not recovered the way I'd hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami," she wrote in a message on Twitter.

"I don't believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments," she said.

"I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/strong-stance-on-china-and-peng-shuai-helps-land-wta-a-new-title-sponsor-458683">Strong stance on China and Peng Shuai helps land WTA a new title sponsor</a>

Barty's opponent in the Australian Open final, top-ranked American Danielle Collins, also withdrew from Indian Wells on Thursday, citing a "continuing injury".

The Indian Wells main draw begins next week with the Miami Open following at the end of the month.

World number one Ash Barty on Thursday withdrew from the Indian Wells and the Miami Open tennis tournaments, saying her body has not recovered after her January triumph at the Australian Open.

World number one Ash Barty on Thursday withdrew from the Indian Wells and the Miami Open tennis tournaments, saying her body has not recovered after her January triumph at the Australian Open. The 25-year-old Australian has struggled with shoulder, back and foot injuries during her career, in which she has won three different Grand Slam events. ALSO READ: Australian cricket star Rod Marsh dies at 74 "Unfortunately, my body has not recovered the way I'd hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami," she wrote in a message on Twitter. "I don't believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments," she said. "I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus." ALSO READ: Strong stance on China and Peng Shuai helps land WTA a new title sponsor Barty's opponent in the Australian Open final, top-ranked American Danielle Collins, also withdrew from Indian Wells on Thursday, citing a "continuing injury". The Indian Wells main draw begins next week with the Miami Open following at the end of the month.

World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty pulls out of Indian Wells, Miami Open

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3.

The second-ranked Japanese star will next face Greek 23rd seed Maria Sakkari, who outlasted US 29th seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (8/6) at the WTA and ATP Masters Series event.

"I started off really well and then for some reason I became a little sluggish. My speed didn't really feel the same," Osaka said.

"I thought it was really mental from then on. In the end, it was who fought the hardest."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka broke at love for a 2-0 lead and broke again for a 5-1 edge but Mertens broke Osaka at love in the seventh game and denied four set points for Osaka to hold in an eighth game that lasted almost 10 minutes.

Osaka, seeking her first Miami crown, saved a break point with her third ace and finally finished off the first set on her seventh chance with a service winner.

In the second set, Osaka needed her fifth chance of the third game to break Mertens, only for the Belgian to quickly break back to 2-2 and hold to 3-2 before requiring treatment for a right shoulder injury.

Osaka won the last four games after that, breaking at love in the seventh game, holding at love in the eighth and breaking again to end matters after 88 minutes when Mertens netted a forehand.

Top-ranked defending champion Ashleigh Barty battled into the quarter-finals by outlasting former world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.

Australia's Barty broke five times, the last when Azarenka netted a forehand volley to end matters after one hour and 52 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium.

Barty, who had to save a match point on the way to a three-set victory over Kristina Kucova in the second round, plays Tuesday against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who downed Czech 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2.

"I'm just excited I get to be in another quarter-final of a big event," Barty said.

"I still feel like there's a lot better tennis left out there for me. I still don't feel like I'm playing my very best just yet, but I'm fighting through and I'm finding ways to win, which is great."

The 2019 French Open winner dominated the first set but Azarenka broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, then fought back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-0 on the way to forcing a third set.

After an early exchange of breaks, &nbsp;Azarenka denied Barty on two break chances in the fourth game but the 24-year-old Queenslander broke in the sixth game and again on the last point.

"First two sets probably had some pretty big momentum swings," Barty said. "But I think the third set was a real tussle."

Ukraine's fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina rallied to defeat Czech ninth seed Petra Kvitova 2-6, 7-5, 7-5.

"I'm really happy with how I bounced back from being a set down," Svitolina said. "I'm happy with how I'm playing and handling the pressure. I had to bring my best game to win."

Svitolina's quarter-final foe will be Latvia's 57th-ranked Anastasija Sevastova, who eliminated Croatia's 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh 6-1, 7-5.

<h2>- Tsitsipas, Rublev win -</h2>

On the men's side,&nbsp;Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Japanese 28th seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after an hour and 56 minutes to reach the last 16.

Tsitsipas will next face Italian 24th seed Lorenzo Sonego, who dispatched Colombian Daniel Galan 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev routed Hungarian 29th seed Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-1, to reach the fourth round.

"I've played some great tennis last couple of months," Rublev said. "We'll see if I can keep going."

The 23-year-old from Moscow will next face Croatia's 32-year-old Marin Cilic, the world number 45 who beat Italy's 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4.

"Very pleased," Cilic said. "Just have to battle it out with these youngsters. I've got to keep the heads high for the veterans on the tour."

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3.

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3. The second-ranked Japanese star will next face Greek 23rd seed Maria Sakkari, who outlasted US 29th seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (8/6) at the WTA and ATP Masters Series event. "I started off really well and then for some reason I became a little sluggish. My speed didn't really feel the same," Osaka said. "I thought it was really mental from then on. In the end, it was who fought the hardest." Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka broke at love for a 2-0 lead and broke again for a 5-1 edge but Mertens broke Osaka at love in the seventh game and denied four set points for Osaka to hold in an eighth game that lasted almost 10 minutes. Osaka, seeking her first Miami crown, saved a break point with her third ace and finally finished off the first set on her seventh chance with a service winner. In the second set, Osaka needed her fifth chance of the third game to break Mertens, only for the Belgian to quickly break back to 2-2 and hold to 3-2 before requiring treatment for a right shoulder injury. Osaka won the last four games after that, breaking at love in the seventh game, holding at love in the eighth and breaking again to end matters after 88 minutes when Mertens netted a forehand. Top-ranked defending champion Ashleigh Barty battled into the quarter-finals by outlasting former world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. Australia's Barty broke five times, the last when Azarenka netted a forehand volley to end matters after one hour and 52 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium. Barty, who had to save a match point on the way to a three-set victory over Kristina Kucova in the second round, plays Tuesday against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who downed Czech 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2. "I'm just excited I get to be in another quarter-final of a big event," Barty said. "I still feel like there's a lot better tennis left out there for me. I still don't feel like I'm playing my very best just yet, but I'm fighting through and I'm finding ways to win, which is great." The 2019 French Open winner dominated the first set but Azarenka broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, then fought back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-0 on the way to forcing a third set. After an early exchange of breaks, Azarenka denied Barty on two break chances in the fourth game but the 24-year-old Queenslander broke in the sixth game and again on the last point. "First two sets probably had some pretty big momentum swings," Barty said. "But I think the third set was a real tussle." Ukraine's fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina rallied to defeat Czech ninth seed Petra Kvitova 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. "I'm really happy with how I bounced back from being a set down," Svitolina said. "I'm happy with how I'm playing and handling the pressure. I had to bring my best game to win." Svitolina's quarter-final foe will be Latvia's 57th-ranked Anastasija Sevastova, who eliminated Croatia's 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh 6-1, 7-5. - Tsitsipas, Rublev win - On the men's side, Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Japanese 28th seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after an hour and 56 minutes to reach the last 16. Tsitsipas will next face Italian 24th seed Lorenzo Sonego, who dispatched Colombian Daniel Galan 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev routed Hungarian 29th seed Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-1, to reach the fourth round. "I've played some great tennis last couple of months," Rublev said. "We'll see if I can keep going." The 23-year-old from Moscow will next face Croatia's 32-year-old Marin Cilic, the world number 45 who beat Italy's 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4. "Very pleased," Cilic said. "Just have to battle it out with these youngsters. I've got to keep the heads high for the veterans on the tour."

Osaka advances while Barty ousts Azarenka at Miami Open

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