It was a very close encounter, but unfortunately, Sara has lost her first match in Miami, against Sloane Stephens. She started well, and broke Stephens in the first game of the match. The rest of the first set went on serve, until Sara broke again in the last game and won the set 6-3. In the second set, Sara didn’t hold her serve once. She did break Stephens twice, but that wasn’t enough: 6-2 to Stephens. The third set was much like the second. Sara held serve once in that set, but every other service game was a break for Stephens. Yet, Sara was able to stay in the match for a long time by breaking Stephens’ serve as well, but the 12th game was too much for her. Stephens won the match 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Disappointing for Sara to lose such a close match, but at least there is still the doubles. And after this tournament, the clay season starts. Hopefully Sara can put this short American hardcourt swing behind her and do well in the upcoming weeks!