Miami Open Preview: Osaka, Federer and Djokovic prepare their revenge
After the surprises of Indian Wells, with the victories of Dominic Thiem in men's singles and Bianca Andreescu in women's singles, the Miami Open, the second Masters 1000 and the second Premier Mandatory of the season is ready to amaze fans, media, and crowds.
The Miami Open is the second big event post-Australian Open, and it will be played in the newly-built hard courts at the Hard Rock Cafe, in Florida. Many stars are involved in this combined ATP / WTA. In men's singles, the favorites are Djokovic and Federer. The Serb could find Milos Raonic in the quarter-finals and one among Kei Nishikori, Dominic Thiem and Gael Monfils in the semi-finals.
Thiem and Raonic will have some chances of victory, while Gael Monfils and Karen Khachanov could be the outsiders among the men. In the bottom-half, Roger Federer could find Stan Wawrinka in the third round, one between Grigor Dimitrov and Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals and Alexander Zverev in a possible semi-final.
In women's singles, Naomi Osaka is the favorite, but her draw is complicated. In fact, the Japanese could find Garbine Muguruza or Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round, Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals and Petra Kvitova in the eventual semi-final. Simona Halep has a possible quarter-final against Serena Williams or Elina Svitolina, and a possible semi-final against Sloane Stephens, Karolina Pliskova or Belinda Bencic.
If Halep or Serena will be able to take advantage of their draw, they could be the favorites for the final victory. Great chances for Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina to reach the final. Attention to all young players of the women's draw: they are the real surprise of this beginning of WTA season. Bianca Andreescu could have an interesting second round against Sofia Kenin. Rafael Nadal, Juan Martin del Potro, and Maria Sharapova are all missing the event with injuries.
Percentages:
ATP Masters 1000
Novak Djokovic, 35%, Roger Federer 30% Milos Raonic 15% Dominic Thiem 15% Kei Nishikori 5%
Outsiders: Gael Monfils, Karen Khachanov
WTA Premier Mandatory
Naomi Osaka 35% Serena Williams 20% Simona Halep 20% Elina Svitolina 20% Petra Kvitova 5%
Outsiders: Bianca Andreescu, Sofia Kenin, Garbine Muguruza
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Tm1oN5
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