Miami Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Published at :March 21, 2024 at 5:43 PM

Modified at :March 21, 2024 at 5:44 PM

(Courtesy : Wikipedia/BeIN Sports)

This will be the fifth meeting between both players.

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and former No. 2 player Paula Badosa, off-court close friends, are set to face each other in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open 2024.

After having her doping ban reduced on appeal, two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep returned to professional tennis. However, her comeback match at the Miami Open did not go as planned, as she lost to the current 80th-ranked Paula Badosa, marking her first match in approximately a year and a half.

Badosa talked about feeling “uncomfortable” about facing her “best friend” Sabalenka. The two-time Grand Slam champion is enduring a challenging period following the passing of her partner Konstantin Koltsov. Authorities reported that Koltsov, a former NHL ice hockey player, fell from a balcony at a Miami resort. Despite the tragedy, the 2024 Australian Open champion has shown resilience and continued her campaign in Miami.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa Preview

Simona Halep’s return to tennis after a doping ban was overshadowed by Paula Badosa’s comeback victory, with scores of 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, propelling her into the second round of the Miami Open. Halep swiftly secured the first set in a mere 38 minutes, seemingly unaffected by her hiatus. Nonetheless, Badosa rallied in the second set to clinch a 6-4 win. Despite experiencing discomfort in her right foot, Badosa secured an early break and ultimately tipped the match in her favour.

The season has been challenging for the Spanish tennis player who has struggled to find her form. Badosa’s injury sidelined her from July of the previous year until January; she may still be regaining her competitive edge.

As for Aryna Sabalenka, who enjoyed a bye into the second round, her season has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite early exits from the Dubai Open and a fourth round defeat to Emma Navarro at Indian Wells, the Belarusian player had a robust start to the year, triumphing at the Australian Open.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 4

Aryna Sabalenka – 2

Paula Badosa – 2

Aryna Sabalenka and her counterpart have each claimed victory twice, Sabalenka has won the last two games against Badosa.

Where and how to watch the live streaming and TV broadcast of Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa, Miami Open 2024 match in India?

SonyLiv and the Sony TV channels will provide live streaming and telecast of the Miami Open 2024 for fans in India.

Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka’s formidable record on hard courts positions her as the favorite against Paula Badosa. Sabalenka’s impressive 31-10 record over the past year, including a title shows her love for the surface. Her service game win rate of 77.5% outshines Badosa’s 70%, and her return game win rate of 39.6% surpasses Badosa’s 34.6%.

Moreover, Sabalenka’s break-point conversion rate of 47.4% is notably higher than Badosa’s 43.2%, indicating a stronger capacity to capitalize on crucial points. Sabalenka’s resilience is further highlighted by her ability to save 64.49% of breakpoints.

Sabalenka’s overall match-win rate last year was an impressive 77.27%, compared to Badosa’s 62.07%. This, combined with her best career surface win percentage on hard courts of 72%, makes her a formidable opponent. Sabalenka’s chances of winning are significantly higher and she is expected to leverage her strengths to secure a victory in this matchup.

Result: Sabalenka in straight sets.

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