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Sabalenka Wins Miami Opener After Rain Forces Court Switch, Questions Scheduling

Persistent downpours exposed the roofless venue, prompting scrutiny of stadium assignments for high‑draw players.

Overview

  • A full day of play was wiped out by rain at Hard Rock Stadium, triggering a tournament-wide reshuffle and tighter turnarounds.
  • Aryna Sabalenka’s match against Ann Li was moved from the main stadium to the Butch Buchholz court before she won 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
  • She said she was “really shocked” organisers considered cancelling her match and asked why Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca could not start later.
  • Tournament director James Blake has stated that fan‑magnet players such as Fonseca are assigned to stadium courts to accommodate demand.
  • Sabalenka thanked the smaller‑court crowd, expressed a preference for Center Court next time, and is slated to face Caty McNally next.