More of the big names are set to enter the fray on Day 4 at the WTA Miami Open. Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina went deep at Indian Wells, can they repeat it here? Who do you think will advance?
WTA Miami Day 4 Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Victoria Azarenka
Head-to-head: Azarenka 2-0
Victoria Azarenka’s peak level is still very high. It’s just that she’s been forced to withdraw from many events due to injuries in the past year or so. The Belarusian is facing Ekaterina Alexandrova, who can be very dangerous when in form, but has generally struggled this year so far. If Azarenka’s fully fit, she should have the upper hand in this matchup.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elena-Gabriela Ruse hasn’t been able to improve the regularity of her performances yet, but on occasion the Romanian is showing great premise. In faster hard court conditions, she might very well turn out to be a worthy opponent for Elena Rybakina. However, the Kazakh had a deep run at Indian Wells and if it comes to the crunch, her experience should help her prevail.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 1-0
Beatriz Haddad Maia defeated a 19-year-old Maria Sakkari at an ITF event eight years ago, but the two have developed in a completely different pace since then. The Greek is now among the world’s elite and while she still owns just one WTA title, she’s been consistently making deep runs at the biggest events. That includes a semifinal at Indian Wells last week, losing to eventual champion Iga Świątek. With the free points galore that her improved serve and attacking weapons grant her, she should have enough to exact revenge here.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Shelby Rogers vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-head: Ostapenko 3-1
Shelby Rogers got her first head-to-head win over Jelena Ostapenko at Indian Wells. They meet again in Miami and it should be just as exciting again. Rogers has the reputation for being a giant killer and seems to be thriving in the early days of her new coaching partnership with Piotr Sierzputowski. The conditions in Miami are a lot faster than at Indian Wells but it’s quite unclear who will benefit from that in this matchup. Expect a tight clash again.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
