It’s time for a do-over for the world’s top tennis players as they move from Indian Wells to the Miami Open. And boy, are they in for a treat. The fields are the same, the courts are similarly slow, and the conditions equally warm. But with an extra layer (or three) of humidity added in Miami, it’s like playing in a sauna. Fun, right?
There’s not much of a break between the two tournaments for the WTA players. The women’s draw was out before the Indian Wells final finished on Sunday, and the first round at Hard Rock Stadium begins on Tuesday. So, let’s take a quick look at what we can expect in the second half of the Sunshine Double.
In the first quarter, keep an eye on Iga Swiatek. While she did make the semifinals in Indian Wells, her perfunctory performance in her loss to Elena Rybakina was puzzling. She’s had a tough season so far, and this is a chance for her to get back on track. But Rybakina, the Indian Wells champion, is also a name to watch. She’s playing top-notch tennis and is emotionally even-keeled enough to give the Sunshine Double a shot.
In the second quarter, Jessica Pegula will be looking for a do-over after losing in an epic third-set tiebreaker to Petra Kvitova in Indian Wells. She’s seeded to reach the semis in Miami this year, and Coco Gauff will be looking to make some noise in the same quarter. The first seed Gauff could face, Anastasia Potapova, has already won a title this year.
Ons Jabeur seeded fourth, hoping to reset her season entirely in the third quarter. She’s been slowed by injury so far in 2023 and is looking to get some momentum going. Maria Sakkari will be looking to stabilize after her semifinal run in Indian Wells, and Donna Vekic could surprise us all with a deep run.
It’s time for the Sunshine Double, and the excitement is palpable. With the top players in the world battling it out in Miami, anything can happen. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
