The first week of the Miami Open had its share of surprises and predictable outcomes. While the top male players who struggled in Indian Wells continued to face challenges, the highly ranked female players mostly lived up to expectations.
However, there was a significant upset on Sunday when Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala defeated Australian Open champion Madison Keys in straight sets. Eala, ranked much lower than Keys, achieved a milestone by winning more main-draw matches in Miami than any other player from the Philippines in the Open Era.
Despite this upset, the Sweet 16 round still features many familiar faces. Five of the top six seeds, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini, are still in contention. Defending champion Danielle Collins, Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu also remain in the tournament.
All Round of 16 matches are set for Monday. For those following the tournament, or even those just tuning in, here’s a recap of the first week and a preview of what’s ahead in our Courtside Changeover.
Week 1 Highlights
Serving Strong
Coco Gauff dominated Sofia Kenin with a double bagel 6-0, 6-0 victory, her second career shutout at the tour level. She followed this with a win over Maria Sakkari, focusing on not overthinking her previous dominant win.
Gauff mentioned she tried not to dwell on the shutout, as it`s a rare occurrence.
Match of the Week
Naomi Osaka won a close third-round match against Hailey Baptiste 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4. The intense match lasted nearly three hours, with Osaka narrowly outscoring Baptiste in total points.
Osaka reflected on her scrappy wins this year, realizing the importance of tough matches in becoming a great player, especially after her maternity leave.
Breakthrough Performance
Amidst Eala`s upset, 18-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko earned her first WTA tour-level victory against Camila Osorio. Although she lost to Paula Badosa in a close match, Mboko boasts an impressive 28-2 record this year, including five ITF titles.
Point of the Tournament
A remarkable point was played by Viktoriya Tomova against Aryna Sabalenka.
Interesting Stats
Best Stat
Emma Navarro and Emma Raducanu`s match was noted as the first time two players with the same first name competed at the Miami Open since 2008, when Elena Vesnina and Elena Likhovtseva played.
Another notable stat is Iga Swiatek reaching the Round of 16 in her 25th consecutive WTA 1000 event, a streak unmatched since 2009.
Unexpected Loss
Elena Rybakina, despite winning 22 consecutive service points against Ashlyn Krueger and winning all service points in the second set, still lost the match.
Throwback Match
Taylor Townsend and Yulia Putintseva played in the second round, 13 years after competing in the Australian Open junior girls` singles final. Townsend won again in three sets.
Quotes and Moments
Quote of the Week
“I still can’t believe that it happened so fast because it was one of my dreams. Now that it already happened, I feel like … what am I supposed to do now?” — Mirra Andreeva on her rapid rise
Andreeva`s Week
Mirra Andreeva`s successful run was halted by Amanda Anisimova. However, she received online praise from LeBron James after referencing his mindset in interviews, which she was thrilled about and planned to print and frame.
Quick Hits
Underhand Serve Surprise
Marta Kostyuk used an underhand serve on match point, which landed successfully, securing her win against Anna Blinkova.
Match Point Survival
Kimberly Birrell and Alycia Parks both won matches after saving match points in the first round.
Sabalenka on Motherhood
Aryna Sabalenka addressed questions about motherhood, stating it`s not in her near future plans, jokingly noting her team`s stress from the question but expressing hope for the distant future.
Raducanu`s Football Warmup
Emma Raducanu, showing improved form with three Miami Open wins, credits her new warmup routine that includes throwing a football with her trainer. She`s working on her throwing technique but doesn`t think she could play for the Miami Dolphins.
Raducanu had a dominant win in her third round, with her opponent retiring early in the match.
Looking Ahead to Monday
Monday at the Miami Open promises exciting matches featuring Grand Slam champions and rising stars:
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Danielle Collins
- Iga Swiatek vs. Elina Svitolina
- Coco Gauff vs. Magda Linette
- Jessica Pegula vs. Marta Kostyuk
- Jasmine Paolini vs. Naomi Osaka
- Zheng Qinwen vs. Ashlyn Krueger
- Paula Badosa vs. Alexandra Eala
- Amanda Anisimova vs. Emma Raducanu
Which brings us to this question
Rupert Caldwell