Naomi Osaka in the first round of the Australian Open 2020, Melbourne
Naomi Osaka in the first round of the Australian Open 2020, Melbourne | (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

Tennis | Miami 2022 | Resurgent Osaka and Bencic aim to set up semi-final in Miami

  • Danielle Collins [9] v Naomi Osaka
  • Belinda Bencic [22] v Daria Saville [WC]
MIAMI, USA – A resurgent Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic look to set up a semi-final in Miami as Danielle Collins and Daria Saville look to spoil the party in the first of the women’s quarter-finals.

 

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Danielle Collins [9] v Naomi Osaka  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Danielle Collins [9] v Naomi Osaka  

H2H: Osaka leads 2-0

WTA Miami

Miami, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $179,940

5th on Stadium (Not before 00:00 BST)

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In her second tournament since reaching the Australian Open final, Danielle Collins has picked up where she left off and continued to impress. The American’s latest win over Ons Jabeur showed how well her game has matured and what a big threat Collins is to the rest of the tour when she is on her game. Now the ninth seed looks to claim a major title to her name and solidify herself as a consistent top 10 player.

Standing in Collins’ way is a resurgent Naomi Osaka, who after her tearful return to the tour at Indian Wells, has hit top-notch form and showing why when on her game is the player to beat on hard courts. As Ash Barty heads into retirement, there is a real chance for Osaka to seize this moment and try to regain her status as a dominant force in tennis. Wins over Angelique Kerber and Alison Riske have seen her rise to form and now Osaka looks to take advantage of a favourable draw as she looks to win in her home away from home.

When Collins is in-form then there is not much that any players can do however Osaka has looked incredibly sharp this week and has been clinical as well as efficient. Collins will need to be consistently aggressive from the first ball and play high-percentage shots while the three-time grand slam champion will look to use her athleticism to turn defence into attack. The serve will be the key to this match and Osaka’s more accurate serve could be the key to victory here.

Prediction: Osaka in three sets.

 

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Belinda Bencic [22] v Daria Saville [WC]  H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Belinda Bencic [22] v Daria Saville [WC]

H2H: Saville leads 2-1

ATP Miami

Miami, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $179,940

3rd on Stadium (Not before 20:00 BST)

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Just like Osaka, Belinda Bencic has been in resurgent form having head a forgettable start to the season. After being affected by COVID and still suffering the long-term effects, Bencic has picked up her form this week and is yet to drop a set. As her worst time of the season approaches in the clay-court season, can the world number 28 make a deep run here and kickstart her season?

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After not playing for nearly a year due to an Achilles injury, Daria Saville has achieved consistent results and has now made a deep run at WTA1000 level having taken advantage of a favourable draw. Saville’s athletic defensive game based off energy is made to frustrate players and has certainly done just done that since her return as she aims for the biggest title of her career this week.

It’s attack against defence in this match-up as Bencic’s firepower takes on Saville’s stubborn defence in this feisty clash. It is sure to be an interesting tactical battle with the level of Bencic’s consistency being put to the test in this match. Despite the Australian’s grit and energy, Bencic should have enough here to reach the last four although their head-to-head says otherwise.

Prediction: Bencic in three sets.   

 

 

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