Barbora Krejcikova vs Aryna Sabalenka Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Miami

Prediction published on 27/03/2023, 10:44  by Steve Ashfield in Tennis Predictions

Aryna Sabalenka is the highest seed still in the Miami Open women's singles. Sabalenka is seeded second but top seed Iga Swiatek withdrew with a rib injury. The world number two (still miles behind Swiatek) takes on the 16th seeded Barbora Krejcikova for the third time this year. Unseeded opposition is waiting in the last eight for the winner of this match, either Sorana Cirstea or Marketa Vondrousova. Sabalenka tops the WTA Live Race after winning two tournaments in Australia, including the Australian Open, her maiden Grand Slam title. Her last tournament saw Sabalenka lose in the final to Elena Rybakina. The 24-year-old has had two meetings with Krejcikova this year. The Czech beat her in Dubai but Sabalenka got revenge on her with a three-set win in Indian Wells and now leads 3-1 in head-to-heads with Krejcikova. The second seed has had two straight sets wins so far in this tournament with only ten games lost. In the last round, she only lost three games to the 31st seed Marie Bouzkova.

It's been a good year so far for Barbora Krejcikova. The former world number two was as low in 30th place last month. Her rise back up the singles rankings (she's second in doubles) began with a victory in Dubai where the top three ranked players in the world were all beaten that week. This tournament began with the Czech in 13th place and this run to the fourth round in Miami has her up another two places. This tournament has seen her win both matches in straight sets. Round three saw her defeat the 19th seeded Madison Keyso reach the last 16 here for only the second time. Sabalenka continues to be in good form and can win this to get to another quarter final.