WTA Miami Open 2021: Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction


WTA Miami Open 2021: Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari

Jessica Pegula, 29th seed at the Miami Open 2021 will face the 23rd seeded Greek, Maria Sakkari in the fourth round clash. Pegula is ranked 33rd in the world after her impressive performances in 2020, whereas, Sakkari is ranked 25th in the WTA Rankings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Match Details

  • Tournament: WTA Miami Open 2021
  • Match: Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari
  • Round: Fourth Round 
  • Date: 29th March, 2021
  • Prize Money: $40,000
  • Venue: Miami, Florida 
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court

Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari: Match Preview

Maria Sakkari

Jessica Pegula received a bye in the first round by virtue of being the 29th seed. In the second round, she defeated Storm Sanders in straight sets, dropping just seven games. In the third round, the American created the upset of the tournament so far, defeating the sixth seed, Karolina Pliskova in a three set victory. She last played at the Dubai Open where she lost in the quarterfinals to Elise Mertens in three sets.

Jessica Pegula vs Karolina Pliskova

Just like her fourth round opponent, Sakkari received a bye in the first round. In the second round, she defeated the experienced Dutch player, Arantxa Rus in straight sets. She decimated her third round opponent, Ludmilla Samsonova in straight sets, dropping just one game in the entire match, which includes dropping a bagel in the first set. She last played at the Dubai Open, where she was knocked out from the first round by Barbora Krejcikova.

Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari: Head-to-Head

Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula

The duo have faced against each other just once, with Sakkari leading the head to head encounter 1-0. Their only meeting was at the Eastbourne International in 2019, where the Greek won in straight sets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jessica Pegula vs Maria Sakkari: Match Prediction

There is not much to separate the two players ahead of their last 16 clash. The match is equally poised and can go either way. Sakkari has been dominant throughout the week, winning in straight sets on both occasions. On the other hand, Pegula will be brimming with confidence after defeating Karolina Pliskova in the third round. The match is expected to be a three set thriller, with Sakkari emerging on top. The Greek is physically in better shape as compared to Pegula who played an exhausting third round match.

Match Prediction: Maria Sakkari to win in three sets

Also Read: WTA Miami Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction