Top 5 Photos 4/1: Andreescu wins late-night thriller

By Jordaan SanfordPublished April 02, 2021

Players are reaching new heights at the 1000-level event on the men's side. Meanwhile, the women's final is officially set with two Grand Slam champions prepared to duel for the title come Saturday.

These are the Top 5 Photos from Thursday at the Miami Open. (All photos Getty)

Bianca Andreescu

In the rollercoaster semifinal affair, it was the fierce Canadian that came out on top. Andreescu edged past the consistent Maria Sakkari, 7-6 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (4), to advance into her first final since winning the 2019 US Open. She will face world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty for the first time on Saturday.

Andrey Rublev

The Russian is through to his first Masters 1000 semifinal showing after outslugging American Sebastian Korda, 7-5, 7-6 (7). Rublev will take on Hubert Hurkacz, who is also celebrating his best 1000-level performance. The two met last year for the first time in Rome, with Rublev falling short in a three-set encounter.

Rain Rain Go Away

Following the day session, stop and go was the motto of the evening session thanks to inclement weather. Korda and Rublev's quarterfinal match was pushed back due to the rain, and during the first set, the competitors were forced to suspend play yet again.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - APRIL 01: Miami Open staff work to dry the court after rain delayed the quarterfinal match between Andrey Rublev of Russia and Sebastian Korda of the United States at Hard Rock Stadium on April 01, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Hubert Hurkacz

Heading into hist quarterfinal encounter against Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Polish player had only come out on top once in their seven bouts. After dropping the opening set, it appeared Tsitsipas would run away with the match—but the exact opposite happened. The world No. 37 rallied his way back to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, and with it, will set a career-high ranking on Monday no matter his outcome versus Rublev.

Chris Grier of the Miami Dolphins

The General Manager of the Miami Dolphins was out on Grandstand this afternoon taking in Barty and Elina Svitolina's semifinal match. The defending champion rolled past the Ukrainian with ease, posting a 6-3, 6-3 score to give herself a chance of tasting victory for the second time at Hard Rock Stadium.