Miami Open 2022: Paula Badosa vs Linda Fruhvirtova preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: (5) Paula Badosa vs (WC) Linda Fruhvirtova
Date: 28 March 2022
Tournament: Miami Open
Round: Fourth round (Round of 16)
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 Linda Fruhvirtova preview
Fifth seed Paula Badosa will take on Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova in the fourth round of the 2022 Miami Open on Monday. While Badosa eased past Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-2 in the third round, Fruhvirtova benefitted from Victoria Azarenka's mid-match retirement and advanced to the last 16.
A spectacular passing shot 🌟
@paulabadosa | #MiamiOpen https://t.co/5LZ9QE36Nb
Paula Badosa made her breakthrough last year and has kicked on in 2022. The Spaniard clinched her third WTA title in Sydney before reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time. A couple of poor showings followed in Dubai and Doha, but she bounced back in the Sunshine Double.
At Indian Wells, the 24-year-old fell two wins short of a successful title defense, losing to Maria Sakkari in the semifinals in three sets.
Badosa is yet to drop a set this week in Miami and has already staged her career-best run at the WTA 1000 event by reaching the fourth round.
All of the feels ❤️
At 16 years old, Linda Fruhvirtova is the youngest player to make the #MiamiOpen Round of 16 since 2004! https://t.co/pqhgqHykJb
Linda Fruhvirtova, on her part, announced herself to the tennis world by becoming one of the youngest ITF title winners with her triumph in Mexico last month. Interestingly, her sister Brenda, also won a title at 14 years old. Meanwhile, at 16 years of age, the Czech prodigy is now making giant strides in Miami.
Fruhvirtova, who is playing in her maiden WTA 1000 main draw by virtue of a wildcard, dropped just four games in her first-round win over Danka Kovinic. She went on to upset No. 20 seed Elise Mertens in three sets before cruising past Victoria Azarenka.
Currently ranked No. 279 in the WTA rankings, the teenager is slated to crack the top 200 at the culmination of the tournament.
Paula Badosa vs Linda Fruhvirtova head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Paula Badosa and Linda Fruhvirtova, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Paula Badosa vs Linda Fruhvirtova prediction
Paula Badosa's experience and ranking makes her the favorite for this match, but Linda Fruhvirtova is unlikely to feel any nerves on Monday as the heavy underdog. Both women are aggressive baseliners, hence quick footwork and meticulous point construction will be key.
The return of serve could prove to be a significant differentiating factor in the match. However, Badosa having a superior serve off the two will give her the edge at the start of rallies.
If the teenager manages to play to her strengths and does not feel intimidated by the occasion, she might be able to eke out a win.
Prediction: Fruhvirtova to win in three sets.