In other developments, Katie Boulter advanced to the third round in Miami Gardens after Denmark’s Clara Tauson withdrew from their match due to an injury.
The British third seed saw a 5-3 advantage disappear as Tauson clinched the first-set tie-break 7-4, before Boulter recovered to secure the second set 6-4.
Boulter had won the initial game of the third set when Tauson determined she was unable to proceed.
“It truly was a relentless contest, marked by some less-than-stellar tennis and challenging conditions, yet one must discover a path forward,” Boulter commented.
“Regrettably, she was unable to complete the match, but that’s the nature of it. While this isn’t the preferred method of victory, I am pleased to have advanced to the subsequent stage.”
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, a native of Florida, defeated Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. This victory occurred just one week after Gauff had withdrawn from Indian Wells due to a nerve injury affecting her left arm.
The world number four, who delivered 11 double faults but still managed to clinch the win from a set behind on her third opportunity, stated, “This past week has highlighted my profound affection for this sport – even during difficulties, I relish the highs and lows of the experience.”
Top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka faced a challenge from unseeded Ann Li, requiring an hour and 42 minutes to secure a hard-fought 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 win.
The reigning champion generated 15 opportunities to break her American adversary’s serve but converted only three of these chances.