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Match details
Fixture: (2) Aryna Sabalenka vs Sorana Cirstea
Date: March 29, 2023
Tournament: Miami Open 2023
Round: Quarterfinal
Venue: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Sorana Cirstea preview
Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will take on World No. 65 Sorana Cirstea in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Miami Open on Wednesday.
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Following a first-round bye, Sabalenka defeated Shelby Rogers and Marie Bouzkova to make it to the fourth round in Miami. She faced Barbora Krejcikova for a spot in the last eight.
After a strong start by the duo, it was Sabalenka who got the upper hand as she managed to secure a break of serve to go 4-2 up. Krejcikova had a break point in the following game to get back on serve, but the Belarusian got herself out of trouble to extend her lead to 5-2.
Sabalenka then wasted a set point on Krejcikova's serve in the next game, but managed to serve out the set herself after that. The World No. 2 raced to a 5-1 lead in the second set and soon closed out the proceedings to win 6-3, 6-2.
Cirstea, meanwhile, scored wins over Fernanda Contreras Gomez, Caroline Garcia and Karolina Muchova to set up a fourth-round date against Marketa Vondrousova. The first set was decided via a tie-break, in which the Romanian came out on top to clinch the set.
Cirstea saved a couple of break points early on in the second set. She then broke her opponent's serve to go 4-3 up and held on to the lead to win the match 7-6 (3), 6-4.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Sorana Cristea head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between them, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0 for now.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Sorana Cirstea odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Aryna Sabalenka vs Sorana Cirstea prediction
Sabalenka put in yet another solid performance to oust Krejcikova in the fourth round. Her serve was impeccable and was complimented by her ground game as she ended the match with 23 winners compared to 12 unforced errors.
Cirstea, on the other hand, handled a tricky opponent in Vondrousova quite well in the previous round. She'll now face her toughest test of the tournament so far in the form of Sabalenka, who has been one of the best players this year.
The Belarusian hasn't dropped her serve in the last couple of matches. Sabalenka's brand of first-strike tennis is relentless these days and she has overwhelmed her opponents with the sheer power of her groundstrokes.
Cirstea has been playing quite well herself lately as she has backed up her quarterfinal finish at Indian Wells by reaching the last eight in Miami as well. However, given Sabalenka's current form, she'll be the overwhelming favorite to come through this clash.
Pick: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets.
