The Miami Open tennis tournament continues with second-round play for the women. There was a rain delay late Thursday which means some matches on Friday will be delayed. Professionals will have to handle the readjustments to the schedule. Here’s a look at our tennis picks for Friday.
Simona Halep vs. Naomi Osaka
Simona Halep spent a month away from a tennis court due to recurring knee injuries. When she returned in Indian Wells, the rust was visible and a loss to Kristina Maldenovic seemed inevitable. Recently, Halep’s knee has been holding up nicely and she can expect herself to play at a higher level.
The last time Halep met Osaka she got the job done in three sets. That was on a clay court. Osaka serves big and the hardcourt suits her style of play. The courts in Miami though are slow and will benefit Halep, who is an amazing defender and retrieves a lot of balls. On the other hand, Osaka is only improving and she doesn’t lose to players she isn’t supposed to. Halep will have to be on her feet if she is to advance. Take her with your tennis picks in this spot.
Pick: Halep in three sets
Angelique Kerber vs. Duan Ying Ying
Serena Williams’ withdrawal from both Indian Wells and Miami meant Angelique Kerber’s retention of the top of the world rankings. Since her coronation, Kerber has failed to live up to the expectations. The German looked woeful in Doha, where she was bounced out by Daria Kasatkina. She appeared to look good in Dubai but went down to Elina Svitolina in the semifinals, where she was battling thigh and back injuries. Kerber was far from her best in California, losing to the eventual champion Elena Vesnina in the fourth round. Kerber opens her Miami campaign against Duan Ying-Ying, who is unheralded but can hit a heavy ball.
Ying-Ying, currently ranked 66, earned the honor of playing the world No. 1 after defeating Laura Siegemund in the first round. Duan won the first and so far only WTA title of her career in Nanchang last year, beating Vania King in the final. The 6-1 Duan is tall and hard-hitting rather than a swift mover. She comes into Miami at a career-high ranking despite losing in the first round of the qualifying Indian Wells event. She made the quarterfinals in Sydney and went on to make the third round of the Australian Open, where she lost to Venus Williams. Also, Duan made her second WTA quarterfinal of the season a few weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur where she lost to Magda Linette in the quarterfinals. Duan has never beaten a top-10 opponent in six attempts. Although stranger things have happened on a tennis court, this will be tough for her. Take Kerber with your tennis picks here.
Pick: Kerber in straight sets
Ashleigh Barty vs. Samantha Stosur
Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty has stretched her winning streak to eight matches by beating former top-five player Eugenie Bouchard at the Miami Open. The Australian wild card prevailed on center court, continuing the level of play which earned her a first WTA title at the Malaysian Open. Barty also set up her first-ever clash with countrywoman Sam Stosur in the second round. They’ve practiced a lot together but have never clashed at a tour level.
The supremely talented Barty, only 20 years of age, was off the tour for about 18 months, but has come back better than ever and is ranked a career-high 91st after triumph in Kuala Lumpur.
Stosur, although an experienced campaigner, will have her work cut out. The Australian veteran has had a woeful start to the season. She has seven losses and just five wins to her name in 2017. Also, Stosur is coming to Miami after a second round loss to Julia Goerges in Indian Wells. She may hold the psychological advantage over Barty, but the young Australian is the form player. Barty is the better choice for your tennis picks in this spot. She should cash in for us and move on.
Pick: Barty in three sets
Click here to bet on tennis – including all of the major grand slams this season – and many other sports at BetDSI!
