Miami Open 2023: Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match details
Fixture: (9) Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez.
Date: March 24, 2023.
Tournament: Miami Open 2023.
Round: Second round (Round of 64).
Venue: Miami Gardens, Florida, United States.
Category: WTA 1000.
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt.
Prize money: $8,800,000.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez preview
World No. 9 Belinda Bencic will square off against 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the second round of the 2023 Miami Open on Friday.
Bencic was unable to help Switzerland get past the group stage of the United Cup at the start of the season. However, she rebounded well by winning the Adelaide International 2 and reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Bencic captured her second title of the season at the Abu Dhabi Open. She made it to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open the following week, but withdrew prior to her match against Iga Swiatek.
The Swiss was then knocked out in the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Compatriot Jil Teichmann ended her Indian Wells challenge in the second round itself.
She was the recipient of a first-round bye at the Miami Open.
Fernandez, meanwhile, was up against qualifier Lesia Tsurenko in the first round. The Canadian lost her serve twice in the first set to trail 4-0. However, she stormed back by reeling off the next six games to take the set.
Tsurenko secured an early break of serve to go 2-0 up in the second set, but Fernandez leveled the score immediately. The Ukrainian broke her opponent's serve yet again to go 3-2 up, but the 20-year-old bagged the next four games to win the match 6-4, 6-3.
Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez head-to-head
The head-to-head is currently deadlocked at 2-2. Bencic won their previous encounter in the group stage of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in straight sets.
Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Belinda Bencic vs Leylah Fernandez prediction
Fernandez displayed her trademark grit over the course of her first-round win over Tsurenko. She fell behind in both sets, but fought back to take charge of the match. The Canadian hit the ball deep with good speed and produced some scintillating winners, 25 of them in total.
Bencic's level has dipped a bit after a strong start to the season as she has made early exits from her last couple of tournaments. While she lost her first couple of matches against Fernandez, she has won their most recent ones.
The match is likely to feature Bencic's backhand and Fernandez's forehand battling to get the upper hand in rallies. However, the 20-year-old hasn't won any of her matches against top 10 players since her 2021 US Open run.
If Fernandez steps up her game, she has the potential to turn the tables on Bencic. However, for now, the Swiss will be heavily favored to come out on top in this encounter.
Pick: Belinda Bencic to win in three sets.