Miami Open Match Preview
Since 2022, Swiatek has always won a title or two by this point in the season, and is rounding into Roland Garros form. This time we’re still waiting for the unbeatable version of Iga to stick around for an entire tournament. There have been flashes of her over the past month—until she has run into Mirra Andreeva.
Swiatek played well enough in her Miami opener to beat Caroline Garcia 6-2, 7-5, but Mertens may offer a tougher test. The 29-year-old hits hard and flat and could potentially rush or handcuff Swiatek on her forehand side. A nine-time singles title winner, Mertens is also one of the WTA’s more obstinate competitors. She doesn’t cave mentally, no matter what the score is.
The two have played once, on clay last year, and Swiatek won in straight sets. The quicker hard courts in Miami should give Mertens a better chance of making her presence felt in the rallies. As always with Swiatek, the first few games will matter. If Mertens can avoid an early break, keep some doubt in Iga’s mind, make it a dogfight, she’ll have a chance when the clutch moments come. Winner: Swiatek—Steve Tignor
👉 Click here for more news on the Miami Open.
