I expect both players to compete hard, but who do I think will win?

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [3] Simona Halep

This should be a good measuring stick for each player.  Serena left Indian Wells with an injury, but her form over the years in Miami has been sublime.  Simona Halep rallied and overcame her nerves to win Indian Wells but entered Miami as a potential victim of exhaustion.  Instead injuries and fatigue have not kept either player from their semifinal position.  Halep and Serena’s trading of victories at the 2014 season ending championship could be prophetic for a 2015 rivalry.  Of particular importance is the possibility that Halep could be Serena’s biggest obstacle at Roland Garros.

If Serena is error prone, Halep could the thin edge of a wedge into the match and generate a lead.  The problem I see for Halep is Miami.  Typically a crowd will rally around someone seeking an upset.  In Miami that won’t happen.  Also, in Miami Serena plays some of her best tennis.  Serena already is the superior player, and she is likely to play above average while enjoying crowd support.  That means Serena is likely to win.  Halep will need to find a way to fortify her serve before she can consistently challenge Serena.

My Predictions: Serena Williams d. Simona Halep 6-4, 6-2