Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina returns from illness on the third day at the WTA Miami Open. Her contest is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the WTA matches taking place on the third day, split between this and three other articles. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Miami Day 3 Predictions
Lesia Tsurenko vs Greet Minnen
Head-to-head: Minnen 1-0 Tsurenko
Tsurenko’s first-round victory from a set down against last year’s Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette was an impressive effort. The Ukrainian is playing some of the best tennis of her life at the age of 35 and showed she is capable of digging in as well. Minnen enters this match as a lucky loser having lost in qualifying. Although she did get to the semifinal of the WTA 125 event in Charleston last week, the Belgian has struggled for wins at 250 level and above. Tsurenko is likely to hit too solidly from the baseline for Minnen to handle right now.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 2
Elise Mertens vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mertens had the high of beating Naomi Osaka last week in Indian Wells but that was followed by a thrashing by US Open champion Coco Gauff. Townsend presents a different kind of challenge. Her powerful style can be inconsistent but she is also capable of playing spells of inspired tennis. Overall, Mertens has the game to manage Townsend’s style. The Belgian has a very consistent baseline game, which should prove enough to wear Townsend down if Mertens holds her nerve.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Siniakova 1-0 Zheng
Siniakova has played a lot of good tennis this season, showing her ability again in a comprehensive opening round win against Ana Bogdan. Her issue this season has been losing matches in the deciding set, holding a 1-6 record in third sets this season. Last year’s most improved player Zheng has not found much form since her stunning Australian Open run. I feel there is a chance of her struggles continuing here. Siniakova beat Coco Gauff a few weeks ago when the American was not at her best with her consistent all-court game. That style may not suit Zheng right now if she is not feeling fully confident, since there is no clear weakness to target in Siniakova’s game.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-0 Tauson
There will be a lot of powerful hitting on show between two very strong servers. Tauson is capable of causing Rybakina issues. Returning is the weakest part of the 2022 Wimbledon champion’s game, and Tauson can get some joy if her own serve is firing. But the No. 4 seed should still triumph. Tauson is usually inconsistent during her own matches, which she cannot afford here. If Rybakina is steady on her own serve, she should find enough opportunities in each set to prevail.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
