Sinner, Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka v Badosa All Friday At Miami Masters

The Miami Masters kicks into high gear will seeds from both draws in action for the first time on Friday.

Australian Open champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are on court along with American star Coco Gauff, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka who continues her return against Elina Svitolina.

Defending champion Daniil Medvedev also debuts plus Sloane Stephens, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Andy Murray are featured.

Sabalenka was scheduled to play Thursday but got an extra day after the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstatin Koltsov who died earlier in the week after falling from a hotel in Miami.

“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy,” she posted on Instagram. “While we were no longer together, my heart is broken.

“Please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

On Thursday, former semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime eased past qualifier Adam Walton and Kei Nishikori’s comeback was cut short by Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4.

It was a busy day for the women with Anhelina Kalinina saving a match point to deny 2017 finalist Caroline Wozniacki 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 in three hours, 18 minutes.

2023 finalist Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Clara Tauson 3-6, 7-5, 6-4. Rybakina had withdrawn from her Indian Wells title defense with a stomach bug. “I missed a lot of hours on the court,” said Rybakina. “Of course now, every match, every hour I get on the court, I just want to do better and better.”

And 3-time champion Victoria Azarenka held off Peyton Stearns 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.

MIAMI FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Stadium – 12pm
(3) Coco Gauff vs Nadia Podoroska
(Q) Andrea Vavassori vs (2) Jannik Sinner
(Q) Thiago Seyboth Wild vs (12) Taylor Fritz

7:00 p.m.
(1) Iga Swiatek vs Camila Giorgi
Marton Fucsovics vs (3) Daniil Medvedev

Grandstand – 11am
Paula Badosa vs (2) Aryna Sabalenka
(PR) Denis Shapovalov vs (10) Stefanos Tsitsipas
2:00 p.m.
Zhu Lin vs (5) Jessica Pegula
(PR) Naomi Osaka vs (15) Elina Svitolina
7:00 p.m.
Christopher O’Connell vs (21) Frances Tiafoe

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