Miami Open 2023: Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick

Match details

Fixture: (3) Jessica Pegula vs (20) Magda Linette

Date: March 27, 2023

Tournament: Miami Open 2023

Round: Fourth round (Round of 16)

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

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Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette preview

Jessica Pegula and Magda Linette came through similarly tight wins on the weekend to book a fourth-round date at the 2023 Miami Open.

First through into the last-16, Pegula fended off a comeback bid in the second set of her tussle against countrywoman Danielle Collins. Bouyed by her love for the venue, the American surged in the tiebreaker to close out a 6-1, 7-6(0) victory.

Having made it to the second week without dropping a set, the third-seeded Pegula now faces a tricky opponent in the form of Linette — a player who is in the midst of a career-best season in 2023.

Linette is through to the Miami second week for the first time in her career.

Having reached the Australian Open quarterfinals back in January, Linette continues to break new ground for herself in 2023. The Pole had never progressed past the third round at a WTA 1000 event, but did so this time in emphatic fashion — ousting the two-time former champion Victoria Azarenka in a three-set marathon.

Linette had scored a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Evgeniya Rodina in her opening match and now finds herself in with a chance at causing another huge upset.

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Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette head-to-head

The two players have never crossed paths on the tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 margin.

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Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette odds

Players	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total Games (Over & Under)
Jessica Pegula	-500	-5.5 (+110)	20.5 (-105)
Magda Linette	+333	+5.5 (-155)	20.5 (-135)

(Odds sourced from BetMGM)

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Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette prediction

Pegula will be favorite to come out on top.

Despite never having faced off on the Tour, Jessica Pegula and Magda Linette have quite a good understanding of each other's games. The two share a training base in Florida and often practice together.

Linette, after her third-round win, spoke about Pegula's impeccable timing on the ball. She will have to be wary of the same aspect as the courts in Miami play to the American's liking. Her short backswing allows her to take the ball on the rise despite the low-bouncing quick conditions.

Pegula used Collins' power against her in her third-round match, but faces a completely different opponent in Linette.

While the American is not best equipped at generating her own power, she can begin to dominate off the backhand side. Linette, who admittedly needed time to rediscover her winning mojo after Melbourne, will look to be the more consistent player on the court. That said, a passive approach is unlikely to get her over the line.

With both players looking to outsmart the other rather than outhitting them, expect a bit of chess dual. And in such a battle, Pegula's level-headedness may just give her a slight edge.

Prediction: Pegula to win in three sets.