The second day of action at the Miami Open sees some of the bigger, household names on the WTA Tour take to the court. Among them is former British #1 Heather Watson. Also in action are Grand Slam upset specialist Tsvetana Pironkova and hometown favorite Bernarda Pera. We give our best shot at deciding who should see the second round of action in our WTA Miami Open Day 2 predictions.
We also have predictions for the rest of the Day 2 matches, across four other articles. One features Sloane Stephens vs Oceane Dodin, the second headlines Fiona Ferro vs Saisai Zheng, the third features Kristina Mladenovic vs Danielle Collins, and the fourth highlights Katerina Siniakova vs Ana Konjuh.
WTA Miami Open Day 2 Predictions
Bernarda Pera vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: Pera 0 – 1 Sorribes Tormo
Ordinarily this would be quite a close match. Pera is an aggressive baseliner who strikes the ball very cleanly when she is on song. In contrast, Sorribes Tormo is one of the best defenders in the women’s game. That would normally make for a close and entertaining spectacle, particularly given their earlier meeting this year went the distance.
However, the Spaniard is fresh off her first tour title and is in immense form. She followed up her trophy in Guadalajara with a semifinal in Monterrey. Pera, on the other hand, has played just two matches since the Australian open. The American lost both, and has won just three matches this year. Based on that, Sorribes Tormo should win this comfortably barring any dip from fatigue.
Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 2
Nao Hibino vs Renata Zarazua
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hibino has played just five matches since the French Open last year. Of the five, she has only won one. The Japanese is still ranked inside the top 100 by virtue of protected rankings, but in truth she is lucky to be in the main draw outright.
By contrast, Zarazua has already played 12 matches this year, winning seven of them. She also came through qualifying to earn her place in the main draw. The young Mexican looks to have a promising career ahead of her. Her upward trajectory should continue with a second round appearance here in Miami.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Tsvetana Pironkova vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: First meeting
After a blistering start to the year, Kostyuk’s season has stalled somewhat. She has played just three matches since her finals appearance in Abu Dhabi in January. However, the young Ukrainian is undoubtedly an immense talent with a bright future in the women’s game. She will be hopeful of righting her season with a strong showing in Miami.
Pironkova looks to be thoroughly enjoying life on the tour again after making her return last year. She has won seven of the nine matches she has played this year. She didn’t drop a set in qualifying for the main draw in Miami either. Pironkova has an awkward game that big ball strikers like Kostyuk often struggle with. That and her advantage of knowing the courts should be enough to see her through here.
Prediction: Pironkova in 3
Heather Watson vs Nina Stojanovic
Head-to-head: Watson 2 – 0 Stojanovic
Heather Watson will be hoping for another strong year this year after resurrecting her drifting career in 2020. The Brit lifted a title last year in Acapulco. Watson has won just two matches so far this year. As such, she will be hoping to get her season started in earnest with a strong showing in Miami. Fortunately, she meets a player she has enjoyed playing against in the past in her first round clash.
Stojanovic has looked good so far in Miami. She hits a big ball which lends itself to the quick courts in Florida. However, she has lost both of her previous meetings to Watson. Given the Brit’s current lack of form, Stojanovic should like her chances of pulling one back here. However, I think Watsons return to elite levels last year was for real. It’s only a matter of time before she finds that level again, and I think this is the perfect match for her to do just that.
Prediction: Watson in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
