Swiatek, Osaka, Halep, Gauff Lead Women’s Miami Masters

Iga Swiatek will have a few days off rest to recover from her Indian Wells triumph yesterday as she prepares for the Miami Masters which begins Tuesday.

Swiatek will go in as the favorite at the event which features just two former champions: Sloane Stephens and Victoria Azarenka. Karolina Pliskova and Jelena Ostapenko have also made this final

The top seed will be the struggling Aryna Sabalenka followed by Swiatek, Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari and Paula Badosa. Sabalenka hasn’t made a final since last May.

Former No. 1s Naomi Osaka, Garbine Muguruza, Simona Halep and 3-time champion Azarenka also star along with teen sensations Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu.

Azarenka was just 19 when she won the 2009 edition over Serena Williams.

Osaka will meet Astra Sharma with Angelique Kerber awaiting the winner.

No. 38 Kim Clijsters in 2005 is the lone player ranked outside the Top 20 to win Miami.

Two-time defending champion Ash Barty passed on playing the March U.S. swing.

Tomorrow, the event opens women’s main draw play with matches featuring Amanda Anismova taking on Shelby Rogers, Marta Kostyuk, Heather Watson, Kaia Kanepi and Yulia Putintseva.

ROUND OF 16 MATCHUPS
[1] Aryna Sabalenka v [15] Elina Svitolina
[11] Emma Raducanu v [6] Karolina Pliskova
[3] Anett Kontaveit v [13] Angelique Kerber
[9] Danielle Collins v [8] Ons Jabeur

[5] Paula Badosa v [12] Victoria Azarenka
[16] Jessica Pegula v [4] Maria Sakkari
[7] Garbiñe Muguruza v [10] Jelena Ostapenko
[14] Coco Gauff v [2] Iga Swiatek

You Might Like:
Osaka Wins As Seeds Tumble In Miami, Halep Withdraws; Swiatek, Gauff Fri.
Naomi Osaka, Ash Barty Headline Cincinnati Masters Field
Osaka Overpowers Bencic To Reach Miami Masters Final, Will Face Swiatek Saturday
Swiatek Swats Away Gauff At Miami Masters; Osaka v Collins QF
Halep, Osaka, Sabalenka Headline Gippsland Trophy