Simona Halep will take the court for the first time since losing to Daria Snigur at the 2022 US Open. The 2-time Grand Slam champion successfully appealed a doping ban and is going to try to make a triumphant return. Her first opponent is Paula Badosa, whose health and match sharpness are also very much in question. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around WTA Miami. Who do you think will come out on top?
WTA Miami Day 1 Predictions
Daria Saville vs Shuai Zhang
Head-to-head: Zhang 3-2
The Shuai Zhang losing streak will have to end at some point, right? The Chinese is back from her extended break but is still unable to grab another singles win in 18 attempts already. She’s been okay in doubles in the meantime, so at least it’s not like she hasn’t tasted victory in a very long time and she might deliver if an opportunity presents itself. The problem is that the 2022 quarterfinalist, Daria Saville, might be a bit too solid and quick around the court for that to happen.
Prediction: Saville in 2
Anna Blinkova vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a great match between two in-form players. Anna Blinkova is showcasing a lot more consistency this year and Yue Yuan just claimed her maiden WTA Tour title in Austin plus followed it up with the Indian Wells quarterfinal. It’s tough to go against the Chinese right now, but Blinkova is so dangerous as well. Yuan might be in for a bit of a letdown after all the recent efforts and it’s not like she’s significantly better than the Russian in any aspect of the game.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Peyton Stearns vs Yafan Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Peyton Stearns losing to Aryna Sabalenka after wasting four match points (including 40-0 on serve) is the kind of loss that will sting, but in the long run the American should still be proud of the tennis she played to put herself in that position against one of the best players in the world. This isn’t an easy matchup with Yafan Wang certainly being capable of taking down bigger ball-strikers, but Stearns should be perceived as the slight favorite if that’s indeed the lesson she took from her Indian Wells effort.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Simona Halep vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-head: Halep 2-0
Simona Halep is back after her doping appeal was successful and she could return to the sport right away. From what we’ve heard she had been training hard for this and the expectations are relatively high despite this being her first match. What helps is that Paula Badosa has been injured again, pulling out of events after a retirement in Dubai. Might be a little ambitious to be picking Halep to win right away, but there’s really no guarantee Badosa will even be in better shape than her.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
