Time for all the remaining first-round women’s singles matches on Day 2 of the 2023 WTA Miami Open. In an all-American clash, Sloane Stephens takes on Shelby Rogers in what will be one of the most exciting encounters of the day.
As always, we here at LWOT predict every match on the day. We split them between three other articles, featuring Leylah Fernandez vs Lesia Tsurenko, Emma Raducanu vs Bianca Andreescu, and Karolina Muchova vs Jil Teichmann. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Miami Day 2 Predictions
Ashlyn Krueger vs Erika Andreeva
Head-to-head: Krueger 1-0
An exciting battle between two promising youngsters from the 2004 birth year. Ashlyn Krueger has just recently prevailed over Erika Andreeva in Austin, taking a pretty wild match 1-6 7-5 6-1. Ironically, it was actually the Russian who made it deeper in that event as a lucky loser. Krueger should have another good shot at Andreeva on a faster court and with the help of the home crowd.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Jule Niemeier vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jule Niemeier is just 2-9 in 2023, not replicating her insane performances from Wimbledon and the US Open last year (she even played well at the Australian Open, but faced Iga Swiatek in round one). The German seems to be finding her best level at the Slams and not necessarily in other tour events. Anna Blinkova is not the toughest opponent she could face here, but it’s hard to trust Niemeier in this form.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: First meeting
It remains to be seen if Dalma Galfi can become a more consistent force on the main Tour, but she’s certainly shown she can produce a good match here or there. Two of them happened in Indian Wells as she took out Danielle Collins and really pushed Caroline Garcia. Aliaksandra Sasnovich’s way more established and often overlooked. She deserves to be the favorite here, but it’s not that clear.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s kind of surprising that these two have not faced before. Sloane Stephens really goes between solid performance to horror shows this year and it’s never easy to predict which one happens next. As such, Shelby Rogers is just much more of a lock to perform here. The 30-year-old is ever-dangerous and remains probably the best active player without a single WTA Tour title. She’s unlikely to get it in Miami, but she should win this match.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
