2016 Miami Open- Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori

The singles action at the Miami Open will end today, with 1st seed Novak Djokovic taking on 6th seed Kei Nishikori for the title. This match is set to take place at 13:00 Miami Time (18:00 UK Time), with Djokovic looking for a record 28th Masters 1000 title, and Nishikori looking for his first.

It is Djokovic who has had the easier road to the final; the defending champion is yet to drop a set in Miami. His most tricky match was arguably his semi-final win against David Goffin, where he still impressed, and he also impressed against the likes of Dominic Thiem and Tomas Berdych; there is no doubt that Djokovic is the favourite coming into this. Nishikori has also played well so far, impressing in wins over the likes of Nick Kyrgios in the semi-final and Roberto Bautista Agut in the 4th round. However he had to save five match points against Gael Monfils in the quarter-final, and will need to hope that hasn’t taken too much out of him.

It is certainly Djokovic has the stronger game and he will be looking to use that to full effect this evening. The Serbian should look to serve well against Nishikori, who can be a good returner, and should try to dictate play against the Japanese star, who has an improving overall game. Djokovic should also look to try and defend well, as he could frustrate Nishikori and get the 6th seed to make mistakes on key points. Returning well could also be important for the 1st seed. For Nishikori, serving will be crucial, and he must look to try and return well, especially if he gets a good opportunity on second serves. The 6th seed should also look to try and finish points off as quickly as possible, and must look to try and break down Djokovic’s game as much as possible.

Djokovic leads the head to head 6-2 and has won their past two meetings comfortably, though they have had some tough matches in the past. Nishikori is capable of pushing Djokovic and could has a chance today, though the Serb has played very well in Miami and it’s hard to see him losing here.

Prediction: Djokovic in 2

2016 Miami Open- Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Victoria Azarenka

Two two-time Grand Slam champions (and former Miami champions) face off in Miami today, with 15th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova taking on 13th seed Victoria Azarenka for the Miami Open title.This match is set to take place at 13:00 Miami Time (18:00 UK Time) and both are aiming to regain the title, with Kuznetsova looking for her second title in Key Biscayne, whilst Azarenka is looking for her third title.

Azarenka has had the easier road of the two; she has yet to drop a set in Miami. Arguably her toughest match came in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza, where she was pushed to two tiebreaks, though impressed in wins over Johanna Konta and Angelique Kerber since then and she’ll be pretty hard to beat here. In contrast, Kuznetsova has only played one match where she hasn’t gone to three sets; an impressive win over Timea Bacsinszky in the semi-finals. Her biggest result of the tournament was coming from a set down to ease past Serena Williams, whilst she also did well to tough out a win against Caroline Garcia in the 3rd round; she’ll be very confident after her run.

Both are talented players, though Azarenka is the more powerful of the two and that could be a big advantage for the Belorussian. Azarenka should look to serve well and must be prepared for anything, as Kuznetsova has varied her game well in all her matches, and will also look to take every opportunity she gets on second serve. The 13th seed should also look to try and finish points off quickly, as Kuznetsova could defend well and work herself into points. The Russian will probably need to defend well today against Azarenka’s power, and Kuznetsova will also probably need to serve well; she has done that for most the tournament. The 15th seed should also look to try and get Azarenka moving around court as much as possible, and should attack the Belorussian’s game at every opportunity she gets.

The head to head is evenly tied at 4-4, though Azarenka has won their past three meetings in straight sets, as well as their only previous meeting in Miami in three sets. Azarenka is the favourite for this match and considering how much less she has been on court than Kuznetsova, she should be able to win the title fairly comfortably.

Prediction: Azarenka in 2

 

2016 Miami Open-Milos Raonic vs Nick Kyrgios

Two of the biggest servers on tour face off in an interesting clash in Miami, with 12th seed Milos Raonic taking on 24th seed Nick Kyrgios for a place in the semi-finals at the Miami Open. This match will take place on Stadium court at any time after 19:00 Miami Time (00:00 UK Time), and the winner will face off against 6th seed Kei Nishikori or 16th seed Gael Monfils in the semi-final.

It’s been a fairly comfortable road for both so far (neither have dropped a set), though Kyrgios has arguably been more comfortable so far. The Australian stormed past Marcos Baghdatis in his second round clash and has since been fairly comfortable against qualifier Tim Smyczek and Andrey Kuznetsov, with the latter being his most difficult match so far; Kyrgios has played some strong tennis and will be tough to beat. Raonic edged Denis Kudla and 31st seed Jack Sock in tight two sets to begin with, but stormed past Damir Dzumhur in his fourth round clash and the Indian Wells finalist is seemingly back near his best coming into this clash.

Serving is certainly the biggest strength for both and the player who is able to serve at a higher percentage could have a big advantage in this clash. Both Kyrgios and Raonic have also made improvements in their overall game which has led to their recent success, but it is arguably Raonic who has the stronger overall game and the Canadian should try to use this to full effect. The 12th seed should look to return well and should also try to dictate points from as early as possible. Raonic should also look to come into the net as much as possible, as this is another area he has the slightly stronger game. Kyrgios is not too far behind Raonic in terms of overall game strength however, and should try to dictate with his forehand as much as possible. The Australian should also look to get Raonic moving around the court, as movement is an area where Kyrgios is slightly stronger

Raonic leads the head to head 2-1, with all their previous meetings being majors, though Kyrgios won their last meeting; a four set win at Wimbledon last year. Kyrgios does have an opportunity in this clash, though Raonic has been in good form of late and should have enough to just edge this.

Prediction: Raonic in 3

2016 Miami Open- Kei Nishikori vs Gael Monfils

An interesting quarter-final clash in Miami sees 6th seed Kei Nishikori face off against 16th seed Gael Monfils, for a place in the semi-finals at the Miami Open. This match will take place on Stadium Court at any time after 15:00 Miami Time (20:00 UK Time), and the winner will face 12th seed Milos Raonic or 24th seed Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals.

Both men have played some impressive tennis so far. Nishikori has faced difficult opponents so far, but is yet to drop a set. The Japanese star has seen off qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Alexandr Dolgopolov and 17th seed Roberto Bautista Agut in strong performances; he’ll be hard to beat if he plays like that. Monfils also impressed in his opening rounds, easing past qualifier Tatsuma Ito and 23rd seed Pablo Cuevas. Things got a bit more tricky as he had to come from a set down to beat 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov, but the Frenchman has still played well so far and will be a tough opponent for anybody.

Both men have played well so far, though one advantage Monfils has is that he is arguably more powerful than Nishikori. The Frenchman will certainly need to be consistent, always a problem for him, but could win the match if he utilizes his power. The 16th seed will need to serve well and should look to try and dictate rallies as much as possible, but importantly must try to remain focused throughout; Nishikori is strong enough to take advantage of any moments where Monfils isn’t focused. The 6th seed must be prepared to defend well against Monfils’ power and should also look to serve well. Nishikori should also look to try and finish points as quickly as possible, as the Frenchman could be able of using his power to win the longer rallies.

Nishikori won the only previous meeting between the two back in 2014, and that was in three sets so hopefully this match will be just as competitive. The Japanese star has played well so far and certainly has a good opportunity, though Monfils has also played well the past two weeks, and it seems that there could be an upset here.

Prediction: Monfils in 3

 

2016 Miami Open- Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Timea Bacisznszky

Two women who have had strong runs to the final in Miami face off in an interesting semi-final clash, with 15th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova taking on 19th seed Timea Bacsinszky for a place in the Miami Open final. This match will be the first match on Stadium court, taking place at 13:00 Miami Time (18:00 UK Time),and the winner will face Victoria Azarenka or Angelique Kerber in the final.

It has been a difficult road for both, though both have also played some good tennis on their way to this stage. Kuznetsova has dropped a set in every match so far, but did well to battle past Carina Witthoeft and Caroline Garcia, and impressed massively as she conceded just three games in the final two sets to 1st seed Serena Williams. A quarter-final win over 30th seed Ekaterina Makarova showed no hangover from that result, and she’ll be very confident. Bacsinszky had an easier start to the tournament, easing past Margarita Gasparyan and 16th seed Ana Ivanovic in straight sets, and then recorded her best wins of the season by coming from a set down to beat 3rd seed Agnieszka Radwanska and 5th seed Simona Halep. The Swiss star is finding form again and will be tricky to face.

Energy levels could be key for this match; Bacsinszky has had to play slightly less tennis than Kuznetsova, and that could help the 19th seed. Bacsinszky will need to serve well against Kuznetsova, who can be a decent returner, and must try to finish points off quickly, as the Russian is a good defender and could work her way back into points. The Swiss star should also look to attack Kuznetsova’s serve as much as possible, and should try to defend well herself, to try and get the Russian to make errors. Kuznetsova will probably have a similar game plan to Bacsinszky. The 15th seed should look to serve well and must try to attack Bacsinszky’s serve as much as possible. The Russian is arguably the stronger mover of the two, and with both likely to vary their playing style throughout the match, that could be a big factor for her chances.

Kuznetsova leads the head to head 2-0, though they haven’t played since Bacsinszky’s return to the game. This should be a tight match and we could well see some very interesting tennis but Bacsinszky has recorded some big wins this tournament playing some good tennis, and, with less time on court, should be able to edge this.

Prediction: Bacsinszky in 3

2016 Miami Open- Grigor Dimitrov vs Andy Murray

Two high-profile ATP stars face off in the third round at the Miami Open, with 2nd seed Andy Murray taking on 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov for a spot in the fourth round. This match will take place on Stadium court at around 15:00 Miami Time (20:00 UK Time) and the winner will face 16th seed Gael Monfils or 23rd seed Pablo Cuevas in the fourth round.

Both men received a bye in the first round, though Murray was more comfortable than Dimitrov in the second round. The Brit didn’t have the easiest match of his season, though saw off Denis Istomin fairly comfortably in straight sets and will be relatively happy with his level of tennis coming into Miami, especially after an early loss in Indian Wells. Dimitrov hasn’t really built on his decent start to the season and was pushed in the second round by Federico Delbonis (who beat Murray in Indian Wells), though eventually saw off the Argentine in three sets and will be fairly happy with a win over a confident opponent.

Murray certainly has the stronger game of the two and that gives him a good advantage. The Brit will look to serve well and must try to avoid giving Dimitrov too many opportunities on second serve returns. Murray should look to try and dictate play as much possible and ideally should look to get off to a very quick start, as that could take some confidence away from the Bulgarian early on. For Dimitrov, it is crucial he serves well and he must try and take every opportunity he gets, as he may not get too many chances in this match. The 26th seed may also need to defend well if Murray is dictating play, and should try to use his strong one-handed backhand as much as possible.

The Brit leads the head to head 6-2, and won their last meeting in Cincinnati in three tight sets. Murray should also win this clash today and considering how Dimitrov has failed to progress this season, it could be comfortable for the 2nd seed.

Prediction: Murray in 2

 

2016 Miami Open- Victoria Azarenka vs Garbine Muguruza

One of the most anticipated clashes in tennis this year is set to take place in Miami today, with 13th seed Victoria Azarenka facing 4th seed Garbine Muguruza for a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Miami Open. This extremely interesting fourth round clash is set to take place at any time after 15:00 Miami Time (20:00 UK Time) and the winner will face 32nd seed Monica Niculescu or 24th seed Johanna Konta in the Quarter-Final.

Both Azarenka and Muguruza received a bye in the first round, and it has been Azarenka who has been the most comfortable so far. The Belorussian eased past Monica Puig in the second round and stormed past qualifier Magda Linette in the third round for the loss of just three games; she has certainly continued her fine form from Indian Wells. Muguruza had an extremely tricky second round clash, battling past Dominika Cibulkova in three sets, though played her best match of the year as she stormed past qualifier Nicole Gibbs for the loss of just one game; the Spaniard has impressed with a tricky road and is finding form again.

Both women are extremely powerful, so it will be extremely interesting to see who is able to dictate and control the majority of play. Azarenka has certainly been in form this year and will look to continue the strong serving she has shown, and will also look to try and attack Muguruza’s serve as much as possible. The former world number one should also try to move the Spaniard around court, as Muguruza is not as good at moving as the 13th seed and could be on the back foot if Azarenka can control play. Muguruza must make sure that she is serving at a high percentage and must limit the number of errors she has made in big matches this year. The 4th seed should also try to finish points as quickly as possible, as she could have a chance of dictating rallies from early on.

This is the first meeting between the two; another factor that makes this clash so interesting. This should be an evenly fought contest and could well be tight, considering Muguruza has seemingly returned to form. Despite that, Azarenka has been consistent for almost the whole season and should be able to edge this.

Prediction: Azarenka in 3

2016 Miami Open- Agnieszka Radwanska vs Timea Bacsinszky

Two players who have played well in Miami so far face off in an interesting 4th round clash, with 3rd seed Agnieszka Radwanska taking on 19th seed Timea Bacsinszky at the Miami Open. This match takes place at 11:00 Miami Time (16:00 UK Time) and the winner will face wildcard Heather Watson or 5th seed Simona Halep in the quarter-finals.

Both Radwanska and Bacsinszky have impressed so far in Miami, with neither having dropped a set in their first two matches. Radwanska especially impressed in her second round clash, dropping just one game to Alize Cornet, though was also fairly impressive in her third round clash, recording a comfortable win over Madison Brengle. Bacsinszky started with a surprisingly comfortable win over the improving Margarita Gasparyan, and was also very solid as she eased past 16th seed Ana Ivanovic in another good performance. Both women will be confident coming into this.

Coming into Miami, Radwanska had had the much better season of the two and that confidence could well help her in this clash. The Pole should look to serve well against Bacsinszky, who can be a good returner, and should also look to get the Swiss star moving, as Radwanska is the better mover of the two and could control play; however, Bacsinszky is not a bad mover so Radwanska will have to do that well. She should also look to defend well, as Bacsinszky arguably has more power than the Pole. Bacsinszky should also look to serve well and must be ready to move round court a lot, considering how Radwanska can control play. The Swiss star must also try to finish points off early with her slight power advantage, and should also look to attack Radwanska’s serve as much as possible.

It is Bacsinszky who won the only previous meeting between the two, cruising past Radwanska for the loss of just two games in the Fed Cup last year. However Radwanska has improved from that dip and is playing much better now. The Pole should be able to win this match though Bacsinszky, who is returning to form, may not make it easy.

Prediction: Radwanska in 3

 

2016 Miami Open- Dominika Cibulkova vs Garbine Muguruza

One of the most interesting clashes of the day sees two Grand Slam finalists face off, with Dominika Cibulkova facing 4th seed Garbine Muguruza at the Miami Open. This clash takes place on Grandstand at around 13:00 Miami Time (17:00 UK Time) and the winner will face 27th seed Kiki Mladenovic or wildcard Nicole Gibbs in the 3rd round.

Cibulkova has had a decent start to the season so far and rebounded well in the first round, coming from behind to beat Johanna Larsson 4-6 6-1 6-2 to set up this clash; the Slovakian has played some good tennis this season and will be hard to beat. As a seeded player Muguruza has the advantage of receiving a bye in the first round, but the Spaniard has not been at her best this season; she’ll probably need to play quite well today.

Muguruza does have the biggest weapons of the two, due to her height and power advantage over Cibulkova, but has been erratic so far this season and must not make too many errors against such as solid opponent. The Spaniard should also look to serve well against a decent returner and should look try and finish points off as quickly as possible, as Cibulkova is a decent defender and is capable of hanging in when under attack. As for Cibulkova, her serving can be erratic and she must look to serve at a high first serve percentage, as Muguruza can be a good returner. The Slovakian is also a good attacker and should try to attack as much as possible, especially on Muguruza’s serve, and she will need to defend well against Muguruza’s raw power.

Muguruza leads the head to head 2-0, winning their last meeting in Stanford in 2014 in three sets. The Spaniard will need to improve her level to win this match and with Cibulkova playing some decent tennis this could be a tight clash. Muguruza does have more power than the Slovakian, though it seems that Cibulkova could pull off the upset here.

Prediction: Cibulkova in 3

 

 

2016 Miami Open- Barbora Strycova vs Angelique Kerber

An extremely interesting match helps start the tennis on Friday, with Barbora Strycova taking on 2nd seed Angelique Kerber at the Miami Open. This match is set to be the first on Centre Court, taking place at 11:00 Miami Time (15:00 UK Time), and the winner will face 25th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or qualifier Kiki Bertens in the 3rd round.

Strycova has recorded some solid results this season, including the 4th round at the Australian Open and the final in Dubai, and she continued that good form with a crushing 6-2 6-0 win over Anna-Lena Friedsam on Wednesday; she’ll be hard to beat here. Kerber, as a seed, received a bye into the second round, though has lost both her matches since the Australian Open in straight sets and will be looking to pick up some form again.

In her past two losses Kerber hasn’t served well and she’ll be looking to change that, and she should also look to try and attack as much as possible. The second seed should also look to defend well, as Strycova can attack well; also Kerber is a good defender, and could frustrate the Czech player if she continues to hang on in long points. The German should also look to vary her game style, and try to dictate play by getting Strycova to keep moving around the court. Serving will also be key for Strycova and she will need to serve well, especially if Kerber is near her best, and Strycova should also look to attack Kerber’s weaker second serve as much as possible. The Czech star should also look to attack much as possible, and should look to finish points off as quickly as possible considering the German’s strong defense.

Kerber leads the head to head 3-0, and has won all of their matches without losing a set. However this clash should be much closer and with Strycova playing well and Kerber having struggled since her triumph in Melbourne, there could well be a slight upset here.

Prediction: Strycova in 3