Miami Open 2022: Paula Badosa vs Jessica Pegula preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: (5) Paula Badosa vs (16) Jessica Pegula
Date: 30 March 2022
Tournament: Miami Open
Round: Quarterfinal
Venue: Miami, Florida, USA
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize money: $8,584,055
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Paula Badosa vs Jessica Pegula preview
Paula Badosa and Jessica Pegula posted easy wins on Tuesday to book a quarter-final showdown at the Miami Open.
Badosa needed an hour and 22 minutes to dismiss Linda Fruhvirtova in her fourth-round encounter. The 16-year-old created opportunities, but the Spaniard was rock solid on the big points, often firing a big serve or a winner.
Pegula had an easier outing as her opponent, Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina, was forced to retire mid-match. The American had already taken the opening set 6-0.
Pegula has scored big wins over the likes of Sloane Stephens and Elena Rybakina this week. She will now be looking to reach just her second WTA 1000 semifinal.
Paula Badosa vs Jessica Pegula head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Badosa and Pegula, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Paula Badosa vs Jessica Pegula prediction
Given her recent run of form, Badosa will enter this contest as the favorite. The Spaniard's serve and consistent baseline game have worked well in the conditions in Miami so far.
Jessica Pegula, for her part, has also done well to adjust to vastly different opponents. She seems to have put in some work to improve her second serve, winning around 50% of the points behind that shot this week, marking a massive improvement from her average of around 30%.
The American has played aggressively every chance she has got and will need to continue in the same vein against Badosa. She will have to make the best of any second serve that comes her way as her opponent has been virtually untouchable on first serves.
Pegula could challenge Badosa on Wednesday, but if the fifth seed continues to hit her spots on serve and stay steady from the back court. she should be able to fend off the American in this one.
Prediction: Badosa to win in three sets
Also Check Out: Miami Open 2022 Schedule