Serena Williams vs. Carla Suarez Navarro

Certainly, this is not the championship match the draw gods would have expected.  Serena is not only #1 in the world, but she is also the Queen of Miami based on a career of dominance at this event.  Navarro has been playing solid tennis in 2015 and quite well here in Miami.  CSN’s heavy topspin forehand will benefit from the Miami surface in this match.  Her backhand has a lot of variety and can generate unique angles as compared to the two-handed standard of the WTA.  CSN will need to use all of her variety to try to elicit errors from Serena.  CSN will also need to be aggressive when the situation presents itself.

I think Serena is the favorite even if CSN plays exceptionally well and executes her game plan.  The problem if Serena will likely take control of many points and force CSN to scramble more often than she would ideally do in a match.  Serena is typically at her best in championship matches, and she has an affinity for Miami.  It obviously won’t be a shock that I am predicting Serena Williams to win today.

My Prediction: Serena Williams d. Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-3