After losing in the final of the 2023 WTA Miami Open, Elena Rybakina will look to go the extra mile on Saturday to claim the first Miami title of her career. She’ll have to take on Danielle Collins, the home favorite having an incredible farewell tour. Who will lift the trophy?
WTA Miami Open Final Prediction
Elena Rybakina vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: 3-1 Rybakina
No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina has done well to battle through long matches in Miami, persevering in four three-set matches this fortnight. Her most recent win was a thrilling 6-4 0-6 7-6 (2) victory over Victoria Azarenka, a match that Rybakina nearly saw slip away after failing to serve the match out on the first try. In her quarterfinal match, she took out Maria Sakkari 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4, in another high-quality encounter.
Danielle Collins, unseeded, continues to rip the ball and stun her opponents all tournament long. After dropping the first set of her tournament to Bernarda Pera last week, she hasn’t dropped a set. In fact, Collins hasn’t lost more than three games in a set. She took out Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-2 in the semifinals, overpowering the Russian with her offense.
It was particularly surprising after Alexandrova overpowered World No. 1 Iga Swiatek similarly earlier this tournament, making many fans think Alexandrova would win this. Born in Florida, Collins has the home crowd behind her, as a win on Saturday would mark the first WTA 1000 title of her career.
Overall, Rybakina is the favorite on paper, but she’ll have to serve well and force Collins to start missing. Both players bring offensive and powerful tennis to the table, so they will have to focus on neutralizing balls and playing smart defensive tennis when necessary. In the end, Rybakina may just have the edge. The pressure of a first WTA 1000 final will weigh on Collins a bit, and Rybakina will have the confidence and consistency to win in a three-set battle.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
