Serena Williams was one of the big names that were expected to play at this edition of the Miami Open, but eventually she could not make it. The 23-time slam champion had to undergo oral surgery and she could not be ready to compete in Miami. Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty and Garbine Muguruza will be arguably the top favorites to win the title in Miami with Serena out of the tournament.
This was Serena’s statement:
“Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home. I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon.”
Barty, Osaka, Muguruza
Ashleigh Barty is the defending champion after she won the tournament in 2019, beating Karolina Pliskova in the final 7-61 6-3.
Naomi Osaka has never gone beyond the 3rd round in her 4 participations in the tournament. However, she is widely considered as the strongest player in the world on the women’s side.
Muguruza’s best result in the Miami Open was reaching the 4th round on 5 occasions. The Spanish sensation is in great form and probably one of top favorites for the title. She has just won the tournament in Dubai.
Serena Williams in 2021
Currently ranked no.7, Serena played her last match on the 18th of February when she capitulated to Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal of the Australian Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season Serena has managed to achieve a composed 8-1 win-loss record. Serena Williams’s best achievement of this year was getting to the semifinal in Melbourne and at the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Ranked no.2, Naomi played her last match on the 20th of February when she overcame Jennifer Brady 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open to win her 7th career title.
At the moment, during this season Osaka has managed to achieve a composed 10-0 record. The Japanese conquered 1 title at the Australian Open.
Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka clashed against each other 4 times. Their actual head to head record is 3-1 for Osaka. Previously, the last time when they locked horns, Naomi Osaka won 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 18th of February 2021.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Ashleigh Barty in 2021
Ranked no.1, the Australian played her last match on the 24th of February when she lost to Danielle Collins 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Adelaide (draw).
This season the Australian has a 8-2 match record. The Australian has won 1 title in Melbourne.
Garbine Muguruza in 2021
Now ranked no.13, Garbine played her last match on the 13th of March when she beat Barbora Krejcikova 7-6(6) 6-3 in the final in Dubai to win her 8th career title.
Until now, during this year the Spaniard has a 18-4 win-loss record. Garbine clinched 1 title in Dubai. The Spaniard was the finalist in Melbourne and in Doha.
Ashleigh Barty and Garbine Muguruza played each other 4 times. The head to head is 3-1 for Barty. The last time they played each other, Ashleigh Barty won 7-6(3) 6-4 in the final in Melbourne (Yarra Valley Classic) on the 7th of February 2021.
Here the highlights.
