The top 32 players have been given a bye in the first round of the WTA Miami Open, but there are some players who are playing top 30 level of tennis. Belinda Bencic and Dayana Yastremska are perfect examples as both have been in great form, especially Bencic. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. But who will advance?
WTA Miami Day 2 Predictions
Suzan Lamens vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Suzan Lamens has been efficient in beating players ranked below her this season but is still searching for a deep run in a tournament. The stacked field might won’t let her achieve that this week but she can surprise Moyuka Uchijima if she plays at her best and Uchijima doesn’t. Both players are making their debut at the Miami Open and will look to make an impact. Uchijima has won less main draw matches than Lamens but her wins have been more impressive. I am taking the Japanese to win this in a close encounter.
Prediction: Uchijima in 3
Veronika Kudermetova vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-Head: Kudermetova 1-1 Wang
Veronika Kudermetova has played some good tennis this season and is steadily climbing the rankings. However, she played a terrible match in Indian Wells and must improve on that performance to avoid another first round exit from a big event. Xinyu Wang knows how to beat Kudermetova in Miami as these two played in the second round last year. Kudermetova is in better form this time around and I like her chances to take revenge.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Anna Blinkova vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Head-to-Head: Blinkova 1-1 Rakhimova
Anna Blinkova is having a decent season with two quarterfinal appearances, and will enter the top 50 if she continues at this pace. She will look to break the two-match losing streak and get her second career win at the Miami Open. On paper, Kamilla Rakhimova is ranked higher but she is yet to win a match this season and I doubt it will happen in Miami. Blinkova is a better player on hard courts and should win if she plays close to her best.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Belinda Bencic vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-Head: Bencic 2-1 Yastremska
Belinda Bencic started this season ranked outside the top 400 and in just over three months she is back inside the Top 50. Such has been her level of play since coming back on tour and she is showing no signs of slowing down. Bencic was one set away from reaching the final here in 2022 and maybe she can do it this time. Dayana Yastremska will be a challenging opponent, especially in a first-round match, and the former world No.4 will have to work hard to win. Bencic’s form and confidence should help her get through this.
Prediction: Bencic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
