Miami Open 2021: Day 6-Osaka, Andreescu, Muguruza advance, Kenin and Pliskova ousted


Miami Open 2021: Day 6-Osaka, Andreescu, Muguruza advance, Kenin and Pliskova ousted

Osaka Andreescu Muguruza Kenin

Day-6 of the Miami Open 2021 saw some top seeds move into the fourth round of the competition while other top seeds bid adieu to the tournament. Naomi Osaka won a walkover win, while Bianca Andreescu and Garbine Muguruza came through three set wins. Sofia Kenin and Karolina Pliskova both lost their third round matches and ended their chances of winning the Miami Open 2021. 

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Naomi Osaka wins without even stepping on the court  

Osaka moved into the fourth round of the tournament without even stepping on the court. Osaka’s opponent in the third round Nina Stojanović withdrew from the tournament with a thigh injury. With this walkover win Osaka has crossed the third round hurdle at the Miami Open for the first time in her career. Her next round opponent is Elise Mertens of Belgium. 

Bianca Andreescu wins a tough bout 

Andreescu overcame a strong challenge from twenty eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in three sets, 7-6 6-7 6-4. Andreescu won the first set via tie break 7-6(7-4), but then saw Anisimova return the favour in the second set by winning it 7-6(7-2). Thankfully for Andreescu she kept her wits and composure to close out the third set 6-4.

In this match the eighth seeded Canadian converted just three out of the seventeen breakpoint opportunities, she has to do better than that against better opponents or they will make her pay. Her next round opponent is Garbine Muguruza. 

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Garbine Muguruza taken to three sets by Russian wildcard 

Muguruza took 2hours 41 mins to beat Anna Kalinskaya, 4-6 6-3 6-4. After losing the first set, Muguruza took a couple of more games in the second to understand and access the situation. But then went on a run of right straight game wins to close out the match.

Muguruza admitted after the match that sometimes unknown players can be a bit of a challenge, and can even surprise you with their level of tennis. Next up for Muguruza is Bianca Andreescu. 

Watch: Anna Kalinskaya vs Garbine Muguruza Highlights | Miami Open 2021

Kenin and Pliskova fail the third round test

Sofia Kenin who won her first match back after appendix surgery, lost to her next round opponent Ons Jabeur. Kenin fell short against Jabeur, losing in three sets 4-6 6-4 4-6. After losing the first set, Kenin made a comeback and won the second but the Tunisian held firm and won the third set 4-6. Jabeur served up eleven aces in the match too. 

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Pliskova was third time unlucky, as she was beaten by Jessica Pegula in three sets 1-6 6-4 4-6. This is the third time Pegula has beaten Pliskova this month. Pliskova struggled with her serve, the first serve percentages were low and to make matters worse she served up eight double faults as well.  

OTHER RESULTS: 

  • Elise Mertens  defeats Anett Kontaveit (6-2,0-6, 6-2)
  • Sara Sorribes Tormo defeats Elena Rybakina (6-1, 3-6, 6-2)
  • Maria Sakkari defeats Ludmilla Samsonova (6-0, 6-1)

Also Read:  WTA Miami Open 2021: Elise Mertens vs Anett Kontaveit-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction