The WTA Tour moves to Miami for the next big tournament. Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu is hoping to win her second match at this event after a shaky start to 2025. We take a look at the first-round matches on Day 2 of the Sunshine Swing. Who will move to the next round?
Erika Andreeva vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: Avanesyan leads 1-0
Andreeva and Avanesyan played at this same tournament last year, and Avanesyan won in three sets (6-0, 3-6, 6-1). Avanesyan has had a strong season so far, reaching two semifinals and climbing into the Top 40. Meanwhile, Andreeva has been out of action for over a month, so she might not be at her best.
Prediction: Avanesyan wins in 2 sets
Anastasia Potapova vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-head: Birrell leads 1-0
Potapova has been playing well this season, but one of her losses was against Birrell in Brisbane. Birrell has been in great form, breaking into the Top 70 for the first time. However, she had to play through qualifiers to reach the main draw, which might leave her tired. Potapova is likely to take advantage of that.
Prediction: Potapova wins in 2 sets
Katie Volynets vs Alex Eala
Volynets has lost her last three matches, but she has faced tough opponents, including five players ranked in the Top 50. She even managed to take a set from Mirra Andreeva and push Elena Rybakina to three sets. Eala, on the other hand, has had most of her success in lower-level tournaments and is playing her first WTA main draw match of the season. Volynets has more experience at this level and should have the edge.
Prediction: Volynets wins in 2 sets
Emma Raducanu vs Sayaka Ishii
Head-to-head: First meeting
Raducanu has had a rough start to 2025, winning only three matches so far. She also went through a scary stalking incident in Dubai, which affected her mentally. That, along with a strong opponent, led to her early exit in Indian Wells. However, if she has recovered from that setback, this could be a good chance for her to turn things around.
Prediction: Raducanu wins in 2 sets
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