Miami Open 2022: Petra Kvitova vs Lauren Davis preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: (28) Petra Kvitova vs Lauren Davis
Date: 27 March 2022
Tournament: Miami Open
Round: Third round (Round of 32)
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 Lauren Davis preview
Petra Kvitova will take on American qualifier Lauren Davis in a third-round encounter at the Miami Open on Sunday.
Kvitova overcame a second-set stumble against Clara Burel in her last match before prevailing 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The Czech was in cruise control before she started to rush things midway through the second set. A break of serve handed Burel the momentum, and the Frenchwoman turned the tide in her favor.
Kvitova steadied the ship in the third set, but will be looking for a more consistent showing going forward. With the exits of Garbine Muguruza and Jelena Ostapenko, her section of the draw is now wide open and the 28th seed will be sensing an opportunity to stage a deep run.
Davis, for her part, has already played a lot of tennis in Miami this week. Having come through the qualification rounds, the American beat Yue Yuan and Storm Sanders to book her spot in the third round.
The World No. 94 made a strong start to the 2022 season by reaching the quarterfinals in Adelaide but her form tapered away after that. Needless to say, her results in Miami would have done her confidence a ton of good.
Petra Kvitova vs Lauren Davis head-to-head
Kvitova leads Davis in their head-to-head by a slender 1-0 margin. The Czech beat the American 7-5, 6-3 in the semifinals of the 2016 Luxembourg Open.
Petra Kvitova vs Lauren Davis prediction
Kvitova's season has been marred by a recurring wrist injury and inconsistent form. In the match against Burel, the former Wimbledon champion showcased her incredible ability but that was marred by extended periods of poor shotmaking.
Against a dogged opponent like Lauren Davis, who is rock solid in all departments and does not give her opponents anything for free, the Czech will need to turn in a more consistent performance.
The humidity in Miami could also come into play as Kvtiova is not comfortable playing in such conditions. She will need to serve well and keep the points short as Davis will have a distinct edge in the longer rallies.
The American also possesses a few weapons of her own, especially off the backhand, and is more than capable of making Kvitova pay for any slip-ups. But if the Czech can maintain a steady level, she should be able to come through in the end.
Prediction: Petra Kvitova to win in two tight sets
Also Check Out: Miami Open 2022 Schedule