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Match details
Fixture: (15) Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea
Date: March 31, 2023
Tournament: Miami Open 2023
Round: Semifinals
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
Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea preview
Familiar foes Petra Kvitova and Sorana Cirstea will play the 11the edition of their longstanding on-court rivalry when the two square off for a spot in the summit clash of the 2023 Miami Open on Friday.
Kvitova, the 15th seed at this year's tournament, booked the final semifinal spot after scoring a tight three-set win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. The 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory was especially significant as it saw the Czech break new ground by reaching her first Miami last-four in her 13th appearance.
The win also helped Kvitova improve her win-loss for the season to 15-5 — with wins over the likes of Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula to show for.
Cirstea, meanwhile, is also having a very successful year in 2023. The Romanian, who upset Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, is the first player ranked outside the top 50 to post nine wins at the Sunshine Double — having also reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells.
More impressively, however, she seems to have improved with every passing match. Here in Miami, the Romanian has yet to drop a set, even in face of quality opposition including the likes of Sabalenka, Marketa Vondrousova, Karolina Muchova and Caroline Garcia.
Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea head-to-head
Kvitova leads Cirstea in their current head-to-head with a 6-4 margin. The Czech also won their last meeting, which came at Cincinnati last year. That said, Cirstea did beat Kvitova at the Australian Open in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022.
Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea odds
Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea prediction
Petra Kvitova will step out to play in her 20th WTA 1000 semifinal, whereas it will be just the second last-four encounter for Sorana Cirstea at this level. Needless to say, the gulf of experience may at some point manifest in the latter's belief.
Cirstea has managed her emotions exceptionally well on court the last couple of weeks. She has been at her best when playing within her own bubble and getting the basics — the serve, return — right. Playing against Sabalenka would have also prepared her well for another big-hitter in the form of Kvitova.
That said, Kvitova brings a few more nuances onto the court in comparison to Sabalenka's brute force. The Czech's lefty serve has been especially effective this tournament and she will look to win a fair few easy points behind the delivery.
The Czech also remains the more powerful player off the ground, but will need to pick her moments well against Cirstea who is a master at redirecting pace. With both women playing well, things could go down to the wire and Kvitova's wealth of experience and renewed vigor to fight for every point should give her the edge in the big moments.
Prediction: Kvitova to win in two tight sets.
