Last year's finalist, Elena Rybakina, is cruising through the 2024 Miami Open draw, but can Maria Sakkari stop her?
The Kazakhstani player enjoyed her stay in Miami last year, and the quick courts really suited the way she played tennis. She is back this year and is looking really comfortable, with a couple of really solid wins so far.
She's facing her biggest challenge yet in Maria Sakkari, who is always in for a good fight. This comes after she previously had to take on Madison Keys.
Sakkari is certainly not the most consistent player in the world, but she's at the top of the list of players who will give their all in every match. That in itself makes her a really tricky challenge most of the time, but let's see if she can actually trouble Rybakina.
Head-to-head:
Rybakina and Sakkari have played a few times, with the Kazakhstani player leading the H2H 2-1. The most recent match they played happened last year at the WTA Finals, and Rybakina was able to win that match.
Their matches have, for the most part, been quite interesting, but the only match Sakkari won was played at the Indian Wells Open. Miami is a very different event compared to that one, but that means that it will be easy for Rybakina.
| Elena Rybakina | Maria Sakkari | |
| 2 | H2H | 1 |
| 4 | Rank | 9 |
| 24 | Age | 28 |
| 20-3 | 2024 W/L | 13-5 |
| 309-135 | Career W/L | 456-293 |
Prediction:
Rybakina's serve will be central to the match. If she actually serves well, she's going to have the upper hand. The return will be crucial as well because deep returns will put Sakkari in a tough spot.
I'm mostly curious about the rallies because Sakkari has ways to overcome her opponent there. She will have to be consistent, which tends to be an issue for her. In any case, I will back Rybakina because she's been more consistent this year.
Prediction: Elena Rybakina to win in three sets.
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