The main draw of the 2018 Miami Open kicked off on Tuesday with a rather subdued schedule as many of the engaging first rounders were held over until Wednesday. This post is a quick one to recap the three matches that I followed, of which all of them went the distance! Read on for 5 stories from Miami. I’m off to watch Krunic-Sakkari…

Tomljanovic topples Tsurenko

My first match of the 2018 Miami Open was the second clash of the day on Court 1 between Lesia Tsurenko and Ajla Tomljanovic. The second point I watched was the one linked below – amazing! Tomljanovic produced a stirring comeback from 0-4 down in the third set to triumph, 3-6 6-4 7-5. This was Tomljanovic’s best win of the year and third top 50 win since returning from the serious shoulder injury.

I was impressed with Tomljanovic’s attitude on court, particularly considering the conditions, and she really got stuck in. Tomljanovic tidied up her game at the end, becoming increasingly aggressive and stepping in. Tomljanovic’s reward is a second round match with Sloane Stephens. Chances i’d say…

Larsson’s best singles win of 2018

Johanna Larsson enjoyed a surprise first round win over the world number 48, Katerina Siniakova, 4-6 7-6(5) 7-5 in three hours and six minutes. Siniakova was two points from winning the match in the second set but didn’t seize her opportunity on Larsson’s serve. Siniakova was quite passive during chunks of the third set (heat related?) and I would have liked to see her closer to the baseline. Larsson’s positivity was a key factor in her building a lead in the decider. Larsson collapsed serving for the match at *5-3. She worked hard though to hold at *5-5 and then broke for the victory.

Siniakova continues to puzzle me. I love her game but mentally, she’s still a flight risk! I understand you can’t just turn emotions off. They are always going to be there. I’d like to see Siniakova try and deal with them a bit better on court. I feel like shes gives her opponent so much hope by constantly showing her frustrations. For Larsson, this will be a confidence boosting win. Kerber is up next… Larsson has won just six games in two previous matches against the German player.

Anisimova continues to impress

Amanda Anisimova set up a mouthwatering second round clash with Garbiñe Muguruza after she scored a three set win over Wang Qiang, 6-3 1-6 6-2. Anisimova was inconsistent at times and most worryingly, went over on her ankle in the decider. The replay was horrible (DON’T WATCH IT) and I thought it was curtains. Colour me surprised when she managed to walk back to her chair.

After being taped up by the trainer Anisimova returned to the court and finished the match in style, finding her range with a series of glorious winners. Wang Qiang should have done more to test Anisimova’s movement with the ankle. Credit to Anisimova who kept her composure so, so well after the fall. I hope she’ll be be OK for playing Muguruza because that could be a stunner.

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Miami doubles draw

It’s another cracker in Miami on the doubles front. There are so many good pairings with many sticking together after Indian Wells. Nice to see Jo and Heather pairing up too.

Wednesday’s OOP

Wednesday is going to be a fun day with the two standout first rounders, Serena Williams vs. Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka vs. CiCi Bellis, both on the schedule. Who you got?

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