Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA 1000 Miami Open match.
Ashlyn Krueger is set to face Wimbledon champion and former Miami Open winner Elena Rybakina for the first time in her career. The big question is: can she take even a single set?
Ashlyn Krueger
At the previous WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells, Krueger reached the second round, just as she has done here in Miami. In California, she got past world No. 65 Katie Volynets, while in Miami, she defeated world No. 71 Renata Zarazúa. Earlier this month, Krueger was stopped by 23rd seed Elina Svitolina (1:6, 7:6, 3:6), and now, on the Florida courts, she faces another top seed—this time, the No. 7 seed. Krueger has shown promise with 12 wins and 8 losses this season.
Elena Rybakina
Rybakina’s worst result at a top-tier tournament this season has been reaching the fourth round in Indian Wells, where she lost to ninth seed Mirra Andreeva (1:6, 2:6). Her best run came in Dubai, where she reached the semi-finals but once again fell to Andreeva (4:6, 6:4, 3:6). In short, as long as Rybakina avoids her toughest match-up, her path to the title remains clear. Fortunately for the Kazakh, she and Andreeva are in opposite halves of the draw in Miami, meaning they could only meet in the final.
Ashlyn Krueger vs Elena Rybakina Prediction
Krueger’s record against top-10 players is dire: six losses in six matches and a 0-11 record in sets. Rybakina should wrap this up quickly, making a (-5) game handicap a strong bet.
