Miami Open 2023: Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match details
Fixture: (15) Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova
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
Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova preview
Two generations of Czech tennis will come to a head at the 2023 Miami Open, with the top-ranked player from the country — Petra Kvitova — taking on the fast-rising Linda Noskova in an exciting second-round encounter on Friday.
Kvitova, the 15th seed at this year's tournament, is fresh off a run to the last-eight at Indian Wells — where she scored big wins over the likes of Jelena Ostapenko and Jessica Pegula. While she went on to succumb to a poor loss against Maria Sakkari, the run would have given her some much-needed confidence after an underwhelming Middle Eastern swing.
Back in Miami, where she reached the quarterfinals last year, the southpaw will be keen to build up momentum for the rest of the season.
Noskova, meanwhile, comes into the tournament at a near career-high ranking of No. 51 after having had a couple of breakthrough wins in 2023 already. The youngster reached the final of the season-opening Adelaide International after beating the likes of Daria Kasatkina and Ons Jabeur, losing out to none other than Aryna Sabalenka in two tight sets.
She has since amassed a few other big scalps, including Amanda Anisimova en-route to the Indian Wells third round. Needless to say, Noskova will be feeling confident about her prospects.
In Miami, Noskova beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-4 in her opener to reach the second round.
Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova head-to-head
The two players have never crossed paths on the WTA Tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Petra Kvitova vs Linda Noskova prediction
Petra Kvitova has had a hot-and-cold season in 2023, with some big wins as well as poor losses. On more days than not, it has been the quality of her serve that has determined the outcome of her matches.
A high first-serve percentage has lifted all elements of the Kvitova game, even helping her post four consecutive wins over top 5 opponents. But double faults at crucial junctures have just as easily derailed her progress.
Playing against an uninhibited opponent in the form of Linda Noskova, the seasoned Czech will need to be extremely cautious in that department. The youngster likes to take the ball early and will look to apply pressure on return.
All things considered, however, the match is likely to be on Kvitova's racket. The southpaw possesses a great record against fellow Czech players and if she can serve well and keep the double faults at bay, she should be able to sail through.
Prediction: Kvitova to win in two tight sets