We’ve just seen the first matches in the WTA 1000Â tournament in Miami, the second part of the so called Sunshine Double following the Indian Wells Masters.
It’s once again being played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and defending champion is Petra Kvitova following a straight-set win over Elena Rybakina in the final.
Iga Swiatek odds favorite
As Kvitova is not taking part in this years event, most eyes are on the most recent champion, Polish star and world no 1 Iga Swiatek. Not only did she win in Miami in 2022, but she completed the Sunshine Double. The question is now, can she do it again, following her impressive win at Indian Wells last week.
We will see a lot of Miami Open betting action and there will be plenty putting their money on Swiatek at the odds 2.30 | +130 | 13/10.
Even though the conditions in Miami are not as ideal as in the BNP Paribas Open, she must be considered the big favorite for the trophy. We all saw her breeze through most opponents last week, only losing 21 games in the whole event and finishing off with an impressive 6-4, 6-0 win in the final against Maria Sakkari.
With that in mind, there is a reason only a few women has managed to complete the double of these two events, fatigue is one of them.
Let’s look at some of the main challengers at the betting sites offering tennis odds.
Players to Watch
Elena Rybakina
Odds 4.50 | +350 | 7/2
We feel the previous year’s runner-up has a very decent chance to stop Swiatek in this event. Unfortunately we couldn’t see Rybakina in action last week due to illness but she is now back to normal and her powerful serves will take her far in Miami.
Elena is now at no 4 in the WTA rankings and she already has two titles and a final loss this year. Being on the other side of the draw from Swiatek she has nice path to the final on 31st March.
Coco Gauff
Odds 8.50 | +750 | 15/2
American star Coco Gauff made it to the semi-finals at the Indian Wells and looks in good form.
The 20-year-old will face fellow American Ashlyn Krueger in the first match in Miami. She is on the same side of the draw as Iga Swiatek and we might have a potential semi-final battle between these two.
Jessica Pegula
Odds 29.00 | +5000 | 28/1
Local favorite Jessica Pegula is the fifth favorite for the title here but at very high odds.
She needs something to start off her season and why not at home grounds? Having reached the last 4 in each of the last two Miami events, Pegula wants revenge from an early exit at Indian Wells.
Note though that she is on the same side of the draw as Swiatek who she has an advantage of with four wins out of their last six matches on hard courts.
Liudmila Samsonova
Odds 51.00 | +2800 | 50/1
The long-shot on the list at very juicy betting odds. Liudmila hasn’t reached her best form so far this season but it’s someone to keep watching out for and she usually performs well on Laykold hard courts. With her strong serves and quite aggressive style in general we can see her causing some upsets at the Miami Gardens.
What is your best bet for the 2024 WTA Miami Open? Let us know in the comments!
