There were some impressive displays at the 2025 Miami Open. The two-week tournament was the second Masters of the ATP season following Indian Wells and the fourth WTA 1000 event following the aforementioned, Dubai and Doha.
With former stars spotted in the gallery like Serena Williams (the GOAT’s tennis-watching habits are discussed in the latest episode of the Black Spin Global pod), Paul Pogba and Lionel Messi, and with the sun out shining for most of the tournament, the stage was set for an exciting fortnight in the 305.
Paolini makes Italian history
Notable performers included Jasmine Paolini. The world No 6 reached her first singles semi-final since her impressive run at Wimbledon last summer. She also became the first Italian woman to reach the last four in Miami. The 29-year-old replicated some of her best tennis which saw her reach back-to-back Grand Slam finals in 2024 as she battled through some difficult matches.
One of her best results came against former world No 1 Naomi Osaka who she defeated in a three-set thriller – 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 – to reach the quarter-finals. The Italian was able to combat Osaka’s heavy ball striking and kept a cool head during some gripping rallies. She also faced Magda Linette who had defeated third seed Coco Gauff in the previous round. Paolini came through this test in swift fashion, defeating the Pole 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the semis.
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka lie in wait. Paolini caused Sabalenka trouble in previous meetings – their head-to-head coming in was 3-2 to the Belarusian – so the encounter was set up nicely.
Ultimately, Sabalenka, the eventual champion, proved to be too strong for Paolini as she secured her spot in the final with a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline.
Despite the routine score, chances were there for Paolini to hurt the top seed – the Italian was unable to convert four break points that came her way. It was an unfortunate end to her tournament, but her performances can only leave optimism going forward. The Miami Open was Paolini’s best singles outing of the season so far and sets her up nicely ahead of the clay-court campaign.
After an injury scare in Dubai where she rolled her ankle, it is positive that the Italian was able to perform at such a high level. Here is hoping there is more to come from Paolini, who announced earlier this week that “after 10 amazing years”, she and coach Renzo Furlan have parted ways.
Fils breaks new ground
Arthur Fils, who is now working with Croatian coach Ivan Cinkus, continued his impressive run of form by reaching the quarter-finals, before falling to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 6-7, 2-6. Mensik would go on to win the tournament, beating Novak Djokovic in two tie-breaks to secure his first title on the ATP Tour.
Fils, who was the 17th seed in Miami, came through some tough matches en route to the last eight. In his first ever encounter with home favourite and 16th seed Frances Tiafoe, the 20-year-old Frenchman defeated the American 7-6(11), 5-7, 6-2 in the third round. Despite being down a break in the final set and struggling physically, Fils demonstrated his incredible mental resilience.
Even more impressive was the victory over top seed Alexander Zverev in the round of 16. The young Frenchman brought the fire to this match – his big hitting and tactical prowess seeing him outplay the world No 2. He defeated the German 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, once again coming back from a break in the final set to turn the match around.
Fils-Zverev is a matchup that always delivers. All but one of their previous four matches prior to Miami have gone the distance. Miami was Fils’s first victory over Zverev since his win in the championship match in Hamburg last year, which was his maiden ATP 500 title. The quick-footed Frenchman is just one win away from levelling the head-to-head which is currently 3-2 to Zverev.
These performances followed Fils’s strong showing at Indian Wells which also saw him reach the quarter-finals. Such displays have put him in good company alongside elite players like Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. As with those names, he is now amongst a handful of players to reach the quarter-finals in Miami and Indian Wells in the same season at the age of 20 or younger.
Not only is Fils breaking new ground at Masters 1000 level, he is doing so in the ATP rankings. Fils recently reached a career high 18 in the world and is now up to a new career high of 15 following his exploits during the Sunshine Double.
Following his defeat to Mensik in Miami, Fils spoke candidly about the unfortunate scheduling which saw him play back-to-back days with little rest in between. “The schedule was average. I played yesterday [Wednesday] and I'm playing first today [Thursday],” Fils told L’Equipe. Despite having physical issues with his back, Fils persevered and ultimately performed well in Miami.
The French No 1 will be looking to carry on his good form on the clay ahead of Roland Garros, his home Grand Slam, this coming May. Fils is yet to win a main-draw match at the major and will no doubt be looking to change that this year.
Words by Caleb Akpo-Young