Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Miami WTA match.
Kimberly Birrell successfully navigated the qualifiers and will now face Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the main draw in Miami. The Australian has already beaten the Russian this year, but Anastasia has managed to overcome tougher opponents.
Anastasia Potapova
Potapova had a strong February—winning six matches in a row and securing a title in Romania. At bigger tournaments in Dubai and Indian Wells, she did not progress beyond the second round but comfortably cleared the first. In Dubai, she dismantled world No. 18 Beatriz Haddad Maia (6:3, 6:0), while in the US, she edged out Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (6:7, 6:4, 7:5), a two-time ITF titleholder and Antalya Masters champion last year.
Kimberly Birrell
At first glance, the Australian’s seasonal record is impressive, with 15 wins from 20 matches. However, Birrell primarily competes in ITF tournaments and enters major events through qualifiers, where she faces opponents ranked outside the top 100. In her last four matches, Kimberly has committed 28 double faults and landed just 59% of her first serves in play.
Anastasia Potapova vs Kimberly Birrell Prediction
Back in January, Potapova suffered a surprising defeat to Birrell (7:6, 6:2), so she will be highly motivated to take revenge. Anastasia consistently clears the first round this season and is used to facing stronger competition. The Russian is expected to claim victory here.
