Rain-hit Miami Open sees major upsets as Draper and Ruud fall, while top seeds Alcaraz and Sabalenka progress to the third round.
THE Miami Open was hit by upsets and rain delays on Friday, with Britain’s Jack Draper and Norway’s Casper Ruud making surprise exits.
American Reilly Opelka produced a dominant serving display to beat 25th seed Draper 7-6(3) 7-6(0), firing 25 aces and 47 winners.
“I didn’t have many chances, especially on his serve,” Draper said. “I didn’t get broken in the match so that was kind of my job, right?”
Earlier, fellow American Ethan Quinn saved seven set points to claim a 6-4 7-6(7) victory over 11th seed Casper Ruud.
Italy’s Matteo Berrettini also clinched a surprise 6-4 6-4 win over 10th seed Alexander Bublik.
Persistent rain forced scheduling changes, with several matches pushed to Saturday and top players moved to secondary courts.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka survived a stern battle against American Ann Li, grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory.
“I was there, I was fighting no matter what, even though my game probably wasn’t the best one that I have,” Sabalenka said. “She played incredible tennis.”
Men’s top seed Carlos Alcaraz kept his title charge on track with a composed 6-4 6-4 win over Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca.
World number two Elena Rybakina continued her tremendous form, defeating her Kazakh compatriot Yulia Putintseva 6-3 6-3.
Sixth seed Amanda Anisimova overcame a second-set wobble to beat Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1 5-7 6-4.
Fourth seed Coco Gauff and seventh seed Jasmine Paolini both came from a set down to advance to the next round.
