The third day of the Miami Open sees the first of the seeded WTA players take to the court. This includes two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, whose match is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the other WTA matches taking place in Miami, split between three other articles. Which players do you think will win?
WTA Miami Day 3 Predictions
Dayana Yastremska vs Daria Saville
Head-to-head: Saville 3-0 Yastremska
This is a fascinating matchup. 2024 Australian Open semifinalist Yastremska is the higher-ranked player by a distance. Yet, the head-to-head record is decisively in Saville’s favor. That includes a comprehensive win for Saville at the start of the season against the Ukrainian. Despite this, I think Yastremska will get her first win against the Australian. The relatively slow conditions in Miami should give her the time to set up her more powerful groundstrokes. That gives her a better chance of moving Saville around the court, rather than letting Saville redirect her pace.
Prediction: Yastremska in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Aside from one strong run to the semifinal in Abu Dhabi, it has been an underwhelming start to the season for Samsonova. She will need to raise her game to overcome the gritty Putintseva. The Kazakhstani won three matches in Indian Wells last week, before losing to the eventual champion Iga Swiatek. She has followed this by beating Cristina Bucsa in the opening round in Miami. Putintseva will make Samsonova play a lot of extra balls. At her best, Samsonova can deal with that, but right now, I do not feel confident enough to back her to stay consistent. Putintseva to cause an upset at the Miami Open.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ostapenko had a rare stumble last week in Indian Wells by losing to Angelique Kerber in her opening match. The Latvian has had an outstanding start to the season overall by winning two titles. She needs to be wary of an upset here. Siegemund does possess the kind of awkward game that can disrupt Ostapenko’s big hitting, by changing the pace and coming to the net. Ultimately, Ostapenko’s high level this season should overcome the world No. 90, but the clash in styles is likely to lead to an entertaining match.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players are looking to respond to tight losses in Indian Wells. Azarenka lost 6-3 in the third set against Caroline Dolehide, while Stearns was unable to convert four match points against Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. I think this matchup suits Azarenka. As she has shown in her three wins against Jelena Ostapenko this season, Azarenka is one of the best on a hard court when her opponent gives her a consistent pace. Stearns possesses impressive power but little variety. Expect the Belarusian to manage her opponent’s effectively to claim victory in Miami.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
