Ashleigh Barty vs Bianca Andreescu Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Miami

Prediction published on 02/04/2021, 17:47  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 02/04/2021 at 18:48 in Tennis Predictions

Ashleigh Barty's position as world number one is safe and now she bids to retain the Miami Open. A win over Canadian Bianca Andreescu will see her become the first player since Serena Williams to retain this title. Barty missed most of last year opting not to travel during the pandemic. This year she won the Yarra Valley Classic but the Australian again failed to win her home Grand Slam. This is her first overseas event of the year and like her opponent has had some three-setters on the way to this final. Never has she been behind though and was impressive in her straight sets win over Elina Svitolina in the semi-final. Barty needed treatment on an ab problem after the first set. She reduced the speed of her serve slightly but didn't look to be in any trouble.

Bianca Andreescu is the world number nine but missed all of last year due to a knee injury and the pandemic. The Canadian didn't get the chance to build on an incredible 2019 where she won at Indian Wells, the Canadian Open and the US Open. Her year got off to a slow start losing in the second round of the Australian Open. Andreescu reached the last four of the Phillip Island Trophy and didn't play in any other tournament until this one. The Canadian arrived in Miami having not beaten anyone in the top 75 this year. It's been a bit of a struggle for her with the third and fourth rounds, quarter finals and semi-finals all going to three sets. A win over Garbine Muguruza in the fourth round and Maria Sakkari in the semi-final have been the highlights of her run to this final.  Those matches may have taken a great deal out of her. Barty showed good form in her semi-final and can get the win here.