Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
Emma Raducanu
Jessica Pegula
In the quarterfinals of the prestigious Miami tournament, Emma Raducanu and Jessica Pegula will face off. I've prepared my well-reasoned prediction for this match.
Emma Raducanu
The 22-year-old Briton is well-known for her sensational US Open victory four years ago. Back then, she showcased brilliant play, earning her the status of a top player. However, maintaining her position among the elite proved difficult due to injuries and a lack of consistency.
Reaching the quarterfinals in Miami is a significant achievement for Raducanu, as this season hasn't been her best. She managed to surpass the following opponents: Japan's Sayaka Ishii, followed by three Americans, Emma Navarro, with scores of 7-6, 2-6, McCartney Kessler – 6-1, 3-0, after which her opponent withdrew. In her last match, she defeated the strong Anastasia Anisimova – 6-1, 6-3.
Jessica Pegula
The American tennis player is on an impressive streak, having won 10 of her last 11 matches, a testament to her good form. During this period, Pegula won the tournament in Austin and reached the fourth round at Indian Wells.
In Miami, she looks solid, but there's definitely room for improvement. She first defeated compatriot Bernarda Pera – 6-4, 6-4, then Russia's Anna Kalinskaya – 6-7, 6-2, 7-6. In her latest match, the 31-year-old American beat Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk – 6-2, 6-3.
Match Facts
- Pegula has played 23 matches this season, winning 18 of them.
- Raducanu has played 13 matches this season, securing seven victories.
- Bookmakers offer the following odds for this matchup: P1 – 2.82, P2 – 1.45.
Head-to-Head
The players have met twice, with the score tied at 1-1. Pegula won on hard court, while Raducanu took revenge on grass.
Prediction
Although Pegula is the favorite, ranked higher and playing more consistently, Raducanu is a force to be reckoned with, as she seems to have caught her stride. I anticipate a tough and unpredictable match, and I'm willing to bet on the success of the British player with a +3.5 games handicap.
