Just days after Indian Wells concluded, the second half of the “sunshine double” is already underway in Miami. Eight of the top 10 men and women in the world are present, as are names like Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, and Victoria Azarenka.
Friday’s schedule is highlighted by Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek’s first match since collecting her third WTA 1000 title within the past year. She plays Viktorija Golubic, who was a Wimbledon quarterfinalist a year ago. On the men’s side, Indian Wells semifinalist Andrey Rublev faces quarterfinalist Nick Kyrgios, in a match which will surely feature plenty of fire power.
Each day, this preview will analyze the two most intriguing matchups, while highlighting other notable matches on the schedule. Friday’s play gets underway at 11:00am local time.
Andrey Rublev (5) vs. Nick Kyrgios (WC) – Third on Stadium Court
Rublev was on a tear heading into the Indian Wells semifinals, winning 13 straight matches and back-to-back titles in Marseille and Dubai. But that streak was ended by eventual champion Taylor Fritz, much to the frustration of Andrey, who punched his racket so hard he drew blood from his hand. A week later, he returns to court and faces a motivated and in-form Nick Kyrgios. Despite the Australian’s appalling behavior last week in his quarterfinal loss to Rafael Nadal, where he smashed a racket so hard and so far that a ball kid had to scurry out of the way, he’s been playing at a very high level. Hopefully no rackets are harmed in the playing of this contest, and no humans. They have met twice before, with Kyrgios winning four years ago in Moscow, and Rublev victorious three years ago at the US Open. Andrey was a semifinalist here last year, while Nick reached the semifinals in both 2016 and 2017. Kyrgios enjoys playing in Florida, a state where he has previously spent significant time training. If his serve is clicking, and he can control his emotions, it would not be surprising if Nick scored the upset.
Iga Swiatek (2) vs. Viktorija Golubic – Not Before 7:00pm on Stadium Court
Swiatek leads the WTA with 20 match wins this season. The Doha and Indian Wells champion is currently on an 11-match win streak, though Iga is only 1-1 lifetime in Miami, as last year was her first main draw appearance. Golubic has failed to follow-up on her breakthrough at last July’s Wimbledon, with a record of 13-16 ever since. They have split two previous meetings. Three year ago at The Championships, Golubic won in straights. Just last month in Doha, Swiatek prevailed in three. It feels like Iga is due for a letdown after such a great run the last month, especially with Ash Barty’s sudden retirement leaving Swiatek as the likely next World No.1. However, Iga’s more aggressive game should be plenty to advance beyond Golubic on Friday evening, which would guarantee Swiatek the No.1 ranking.
Other Notable Matches on Friday:
Jelena Ostapenko (10) vs. Shelby Rogers – This is an Indian Wells rematch, where Rogers earned her first victory over Ostapenko in four tries. Shelby already earned an impressive win this week over fellow American Amanda Anisimova.
Sascha Zverev (2) vs. Borna Coric – On Wednesday, Coric returned from an extended injury layoff to earn his first victory in over a year. And he’s 3-2 against Zverev, though he hasn’t defeated the German since 2018.
Jessica Pegula (16) vs. Sloane Stephens – This is a rematch from last October’s Indian Wells, where Pegula comfortably prevailed in straight sets. Stephens was the champion in Guadalajara last month, while Pegula is a modest 7-6 on the year.
Diego Schwartzman (13) vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis (Q) – Kokkinakis came through qualifying, and has already accumulated three wins this week without dropping a set. Four years ago at this event, he procured one of the biggest wins of his career, upsetting Roger Federer. Schwartzman reached two finals in February on clay, but is only 4-3 this season on hard courts.
Friday’s full Order of Play is here.
