Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA 1000 Miami Open match.
Times have changed. Victoria Azarenka, once a high seed at tournaments like this, now has to fight just for the chance to face a seeded opponent. This time, she meets world No. 15 Karolína Muchová.
Karolína Muchová
At 28 years old, Muchová is in her prime, while Azarenka, at 35, is nearing the twilight of her career. Their 2025 form also highlights the contrast. Muchová has won 11 matches and lost 6, and while she hasn’t always made deep runs, her recent performances suggest positive momentum. At the WTA-1000 event in Dubai, she reached the semi-finals. Earlier this month in Indian Wells, she was stopped in the Round of 16 by world No. 2 Iga Świątek (1:6, 1:6).
Victoria Azarenka
Azarenka, on the other hand, has struggled this season, winning just three matches—fewer than Muchová managed in Dubai alone. The Belarusian has only advanced past the opening round in Brisbane, Dubai, and Indian Wells. In the latter two, she lost to top-10 opponents, failing to take a set off Iga Świątek (0:6, 2:6) and Zheng Qinwen (3:6, 4:6).
Karolína Muchová vs Victoria Azarenka Prediction
The only thing these two players share this season is their inability to overcome Iga Świątek. In every other aspect, Muchová holds the advantage. With her superior form and consistency, she should be expected to eliminate the former world No. 1 without much trouble.
