Miami Open 2023: Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match details
Fixture: Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund
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
Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund preview
The big-hitting Jelena Ostapenko will open her 2023 Miami Open campaign with a second-round encounter against Mirjam Bjorklund.
Ostapenko, who is the 24th seed at this year's tournament, will be looking to move past the disappointment of failing to defend her crown in Dubai. The Latvian lost in the third round to Aryna Sabalenka. The loss came right after her early exit in Doha and Abu Dhabi — where she was ousted by Jessica Pegula and Zheng Qinwen in the second rounds respectively.
Back on the American hardcourts, Ostapenko did reach the second week in Indian Wells — where she lost in the fourth round before losing to Petra Kvitova. She will be hoping to do better in Miami.
Bjorklund, for her part, has already had a successful week in Miami. Having come through the qualifying rounds, she scored a hard-fought three-set win over Jasmine Paolini to reach the last 64.
Slowly edging towards a career-high ranking off the back of a few solid performances, the Swede will be looking to reach the third round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Ostapenko and Bjorklund, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund odds
(Odds will be updated when available)
Jelena Ostapenko vs Mirjam Bjorklund prediction
Given the huge gulf in rankings and level of experience on the big stage, Jelena Ostapenko will be the heavy favorite to come through the contest. She will still need to be wary of battle-hardened opponents.
Mirjam Bjorklund has had plenty of time to adjust to the conditions in Miami, having already spent a significant amount of time on the court in the three matches that she has played this week.
Against someone like Ostapneko, though, she faces a different challenge. The Latvian likes to go for broke at every ball and can take the racket out of her opponent's hands. Unless Bjorklund can step up and find a way to keep Ostapenko on the run, she risks being blown away by her power.
Prediction: Ostapenko to win in two tight sets