Ashleigh Barty vs Aryna Sabalenka: Prediction | Head-to-Head | Stats: Miami Open 2021

Top seed Ashleigh Barty squares off against the 7th seed Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open 2021

Barty outlasted the 14th seeded Victoria Azarenka in three sets in the pre-quarterfinals of the Miami Open. The match was evenly poised after the Australian took the first set 6-1 and Azarenka responded strongly by winning the second set 6-1.

Two crucial breaks of serve in the third set helped Barty to clinch it 6-2. Overall, Barty fired 6 aces and grabbed 65% of her first-serve points.

"The first two sets probably had some big momentum swings, but I think the third set was a real tussle, those games in the third set turned out to be pivotal, but it was just about staying the course and over time trying to execute my game plan as best I can, and bring it back onto my racquet where I felt I was in control more in that third set and had a little bit better court position," said Barty after a tough win against Azarenka.

On the other hand, Sabalenka was too good for the 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova. The Belarusian put up a clinical performance winning 6-1 6-2. Sabalenka smashed 5 aces, pounded 28 winners, and claimed 76% of her first-serve points.

Barty vs Sabalenka: Head to Head Record

Sabalenka leads the head to head record 3-2 against Barty. All their matches have been played only on hardcourts so far

Miami Open: Key Insights

• Ashleigh Barty is the defending champion having won the last edition of the Miami Open in 2019.
• The Australian has won 17 three-setter matches in a row.
• Barty needs to prevent Naomi Osaka from winning the tournament to retain her number one ranking.
• Sabalenka has won her last two matches in straight sets each.
• Barty has won nine matches in a row in the Miami Open.
• Sabalenka is playing in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open for the first time in her career.

Game Analysis

Barty's tactic of using well-timed slices and clever backhand passes paid dividends against the experienced Azarenka who committed a whopping 18 unforced errors in the deciding set.

Sabalenka would be quite satisfied with her game having dismantled Vondrousova in just over an hour.

The Australian is an intelligent player with smart shot placement. She plays a mix of lobs, volleys, and backhand slices with ease in the rallies. She can hit her forehand both down-the-line and crosscourt.

Sabalenka is an aggressive baseline player. The Belarusian is a ferocious striker of the ball and has a deep forehand and a flat backhand. Her weakness lies in her below-par net play and unforced errors while volleying.

Barty's prior experience of being a champion in Miami and delivering high performance in pressure situations give her a slight edge in this match. Sabalenka has all the weapons in her game to force the Australian to drop a set.

Match Prediction - Ashleigh Barty to win the Miami Open quarter-finals in three sets against Aryna Sabalenka

Featured Image Credits - WTA