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Match details
Fixture: (10) Elena Rybakina vs (15) Petra Kvitova
Date: April 1, 2023
Tournament: Miami Open 2023
Round: Final
Venue: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Elena Rybakina vs Petra Kvitova preview
Two of the finest strikers of the tennis ball — Elena Rybakina and Petra Kvitova —will go up against each other in the summit clash of the 2023 Miami Open, scheduled to be held on Saturday.
First through to the finals, Rybkaina finds herself on a 13-match win streak. The Kazakh has reached at least the final of all but two tournaments that she has played this season — contributing to her impressive 21-4 win-loss record for 2023.
Having survived a couple of scares — and a match point — against Anna Kalinskaya and Paula Badosa in the early stages of the tournament, Rybakina rediscovered the form that saw her soar to the title in Indian Wells a fortnight ago.
Kvitova, meanwhile, comes into the final with something more than form — pedigree. Set to play in her 13th WTA 1000 final, the all-time fifth-highest, the southpaw brings a level of experience to the table that will be unmatched from the other end of the court.
As for her recent results, she has won over the likes of in-form Jessica Pegula, Jelena Ostapenko, and Donna Vekic. She has fought back from positions of disadvantage in her last two matches against Sorana Cirstea and Ekaterina Alexandrova. She will be confident about her prospects.
Elena Rybakina vs Petra Kvitova head-to-head
Kvitova and Rybakina have split their previous two meetings, so their current head-to-head stands at a 1-1 deadlock. While the Kazakh won the duo's first meeting in Ostrava last year, her opponent put things in balance in Adelaide earlier this year.
Elena Rybakina vs Petra Kvitova odds
Elena Rybakina vs Petra Kvitova prediction
Elena Rybakina finds herself just one win away from a rare Sunshine Double. It's a testament to how well she has played even on the less-favored slower courts. The Kazakh's serve has always been the standout weapon, but it's her newfound ability to win matches even in the absence of the high first-serve percentage that has been key to her success over the last few weeks.
Petra Kvitova, for her part, has been on a bit of an opposite trajectory. Having struggled somewhat with inconsistencies on her serve at Indian Wells a bit, she seems to have found her range. She has led the field in terms of service games won percentage in the tournament, which has lifted other aspects of her game.
The Czech has been swinging with a sense of freedom that had been missing from her game in recent months, which thrives when she allows her naturally aggressive instincts to take over.
With two big-hitting players taking court, fans can expect quick rallies and loads of winners. The momentum will be decided within the first one or two shots and that's where Kvitova's lefty serve and piercing return shots may give her the advantage.
Prediction: Kvitova to win in two tight sets
