Miami Open Championship Prediction

Can Wozniacki reverse this result?

[10] Johanna Konta (GBR) vs. [12] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

This is a bit later than I was hoping to write/post due to some travel on my end.  Konta is one of the most well-rounded players on the tour with a very stable game.  Caroline Wozniacki is a former world #1 who is known for her retrieving skills and athleticism.  Wozniacki has been criticized at time for not being aggressive enough during rallies.  Her new hitting partner, Sascha Bajin, worked with power baseliners Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in the past.  If Wozniacki adds more offense to her game, her results will likely skyrocket.

In my view, Konta’s path to victory revolves around changing the direction of the ball during rallies.  If Wozniacki settles into a retrieving/grinding pattern of rallies, she will be hard to beat.  This is especially true if Wozniacki is able to grind out most points while dictating play a bit more often.  I think Konta has the game to keep Wozniacki off balance, but I also think Wozniacki is rolling.  In short, this seems like a 50-50 match.  I like Konta’s skill set more than Wozniacki’s, but I think Wozniacki is the slightly better athlete.  That leaves me with the unenviable position of needing to make a prediction.

My Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki d. Johanna Konta 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 – I think the good feelings that occur early in changing one’s team will help Wozniacki prevail in a tight match.