There are several outstanding quarterfinal matchups for fans to enjoy at the WTA Miami Open. The draw is incredibly open and all the players left have an opportunity to win a prestigious Masters 1000 event. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for all the matches. But which four players do you think will reach the semfinal?
WTA Miami Quarterfinal Predictions
Victoria Azarenka vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Azarenka 2-0 Putintseva
The quality of Azarenka’s run has slipped somewhat under the radar so far. Wins against Peyton Stearns, Australian Open runner-up Qinwen Zheng and the in-form Katie Boulter represent an impressive effort. The three-time champion in Miami faces a different type of challenge against Putintseva. Her previous opponents base their game on power, while Putintseva’s is centered on athleticism and consistency. The Kazakhstani has been in good form lately but I still expect Azarenka to prevail. In conditions that suit her game, she should be able to find enough clean winners to break through Putintseva.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Pegula 1-0 Alexandrova
Alexandrova shocked many by utterly dominating against the world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the last round. Although Alexandrova does possess the powerful game that Swiatek struggles most against, the result was still a major surprise. Can she do the same against WTA Finals runner-up Pegula? I think the American No. 2 will avoid the same fate. Pegula generally thrives most when she gets a consistent pace from her opponent, which Alexandrova will provide. That means the Russian will need to play a perfect match again to win, which may be too big of an ask.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Rybakina 2-1 Sakkari
This is a great test of Guadalajara champion Sakkari’s immediate progress under new coach David Witt. She has looked mentally stronger and more composed, as she showed in her Indian Wells semifinal win against US Open champion Coco Gauff. Sakkari also had the benefit of a walkover in the last round, while 2023 Australian Open runner-up Rybakina has played three tough matches to get to this stage. The Greek will need to be patient in Rybakina’s service games, but I think she will prevail. Her improved mentality will help her and Rybakina’s efforts may catch up with her, having been struggling until recently with an illness.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: Collins 3-0 Garcia
If Collins is going to win a first WTA 1000 event in her final season, this is her best chance to do it. The Miami Open has been her best WTA 1000 tournament throughout her career and she has been outstanding in her four matches so far, losing just 14 games eight sets. But Garcia has also looked rejuvenated in her wins against Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. This battle between two of the most powerful players could be close but I am giving Collins the edge. Despite how impressive Garcia was in her last two matches, Collins will be tough for anyone to stop in her current form. The American’s positive head-to-head record could also be an advantage.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
