Miami Open 2022: Petra Kvitova vs Clara Burel preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: (28) Petra Kvitova vs Clara Burel
Date: 25 March 2022
Tournament: Miami Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
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
Petra Kvitova vs Clara Burel preview
Petra Kvitova will open her 2022 Miami Open campaign with a second-round encounter against France's Clara Burel.
Kvitova, the 28th seed, has shown flashes of her best tennis in a few matches this year, but has had a difficult time stringing together wins. She came into the tournament off the back of a third-round exit at Indian Wells, where she beat an in-form Aliaksandra Sasnovich before losing to Maria Sakkari.
The 32-year-old made it to the second week in Miami in 2021 and will be looking to make a strong start to her campaign this year.
Burel, meanwhile, ended a four-match losing streak by ousting Polish qualifier Magdalena Frech in her opening match in Miami. The 6-3, 7-5 win over the Pole was also her first ever in the main draw of the WTA 1000 event.
A relative novice at this level -- she has only played three main-draw matches at WTA 1000 events -- the youngster will be looking to build on her opening-round win.
Petra Kvitova vs Clara Burel head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Kvitova and Burel, so their current head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Petra Kvitova vs Clara Burel prediction
Given the gulf in rankings and experience, Kvitova will enter this contest as a firm favorite.
Burel plays a solid counterpunching brand of tennis and will be prepared to send a lot of balls back into play and extend rallies, while also using her opponent's power against her.
The onus will be on Kvitova to remain patient in the rallies and not give away too many free points in the form of unforced errors. The southpaw's serve -- which has been hit-and-miss this season -- will also be key.
Burel is likely to throw everything at Kvitova, but the 28th seed's power should help her book a spot into the third round.
Prediction: Kvitova to win in straight sets
Also Check Out: Miami Open 2022 Schedule