Iga Swiatek against powerful flat ball-strikers? That’s usually when the Pole has to dig deep. Ekaterina Alexandrova is also an opponent who managed to trouble the World No. 1 on a few occasions in the past. Who do you think will win this time, on Day 7 of the WTA Miami Open?
WTA Miami Day 7 Predictions
Sorana Cirstea vs Danielle Collins
Head-to-head: Collins 1-0
The pressure is off for Danielle Collins after she announced her upcoming retirement and she’s clearly feeling it in her game right now. Her results have improved and as long as she’s hitting freely, she’s a threat to everyone on tour. Sorana Cirstea is an opponent she won’t be able to blast off the court as she did to Elina Avanesyan in the previous round. But even with the Romanian fighting back, Collins is the in-form player here at the moment.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Coco Gauff vs Caroline Garcia
Head-to-head: 2-2
Caroline Garcia managed to get Coco Gauff twice during that ridiculous patch she had in the second half of 2022, but does her matchup advantage from back then still hold up? On a court like the one in Miami, maybe. Coco Gauff has earned plenty of gutsy wins recently (really going into that Brad Gilbert ‘winning ugly’ strategy), but has that level been that impressive? Garcia should have her chances if she keeps serving well and we know she’ll put pressure on Gauff with the hyper-aggressive strategy.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Emma Navarro vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: First meeting
Is Emma Navarro kind of the new Jessica Pegula? Since breaking through to the main tour, the 22-year-old has been pretty much as consistent in reaching deep stages of events as her compatriot once was. Pegula in the meantime seems to have dropped off a little and could really use this win right now. This might not be the type of matchup that Navarro usually enjoys, but it’s tough to go against her right now with all the confidence and brilliant form.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Swiatek 3-1
Iga Swiatek might be holding a lead in the head-to-head here, but Ekaterina Alexandrova is one of the few players the Pole isn’t fully comfortable coming up against. With a highly aggressive returning strategy and flat ball-striking, she’s got what it takes to beat the World No. 1. But as usual, there’s also the question of consistency and what happens once the early onslaught in a rally is neutralized. Swiatek will need to be sharper than against Noskova here as the Miami conditions give Alexandrova a much better shot than the one she had in Doha recently.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
