The seeds came out to play on Thursday in Miami with the top half of the draw. As I write this post they are dropping likes flies with Caroline Garcia and Julia Goerges both out today to Alison Riske and Carina Witthoeft respectively. I’m off to watch a bit more tennis! It’s been a busy end to the working week for me and I won’t be able to do much on the blog until Sunday. Read on for five stories from the Miami Open…
Ka Pliskova’s first win over Makarova
Karolina Pliskova did really well to win in straights and open her 2018 Miami campaign with a first ever win over Ekaterina Makarova, 7-5 7-5. Makarova had won their three previous encounters all in straight sets. I started watching at the end of the second set where Makarova hit back-to-back return winners en route to breaking at 4-4. Makarova was unable to serve out the set and Pliskova won the last three games in typically clutch fashion. Makarova faltered both times serving at *5-6.
Yay for Pavs!
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova snapped a five match losing streak and won her first match since the Australian Open, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-2 3-6 6-2. Pavs looked confident at the end and won the match with a virtual bagel. I was pleased Pavs prevailed for many reasons. I didn’t like Sasnovich’s tactics at the start of the third set (perhaps for longer periods of the match?) of standing in to return and then rapidly retreating as Pavs served. Pavs will play Angelique Kerber in the third round in what will be their 12th encounter on tour.
Halep survives Dodin scare
Simona Halep won her seventh three set match of the year, coming back from a break down to beat Oceane Dodin, 3-6 6-3 7-5. This was a WILD match! Halep was struggling with a neck injury and then went over on her ankle in the decider although didn’t seem too bothered by it. Dodin hit 16 double faults and a ton of unforced errors BUT she had some moments of absolute brilliance. Some of the rallies towards the end of the third set were tremendous. Halep was very committed and gritted her way to the win, managing to wear down Dodin after some gruelling points. Halep gets Agnieszka Radwanska in the third round for their first clash in over 18 months.
Osaka’s press conference
Naomi Osaka in press after her first round win over Serena. She’s great!
Get well soon, Ana
Ana Konjuh posted on social media on Wednesday that she has had another procedure on her elbow – I think that’s three now? Wishing Ana a very speedy recovery. I hope she’s fit and healthy for the grass court season!
Moo's Tennis Blog 
Wish halep lost would of made this tournament more interesting..
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Wang def CSN 7-5,6-3. In the match CSN got sick and was vomiting while hanging onto the back fence. After a very long MTO CSN, continued the match. I thought the weakened CSN should have quit, as there was almost no way she could have won the match.
Analysis: Don’t eat American food!
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Azarenka def Keys 7-6, 2-0. After a very close tie-breaker 1st set, Keys took a MTO and had her thigh wrapped. Keys then retired after 2 games in the 2nd set. Keys was taking advantage of AZ’s 2nd serve and blasting them for winners, which led to a number of double faults by The AZ.
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Halep keeps turning her ankle. She has stated that her ankles are taped before each match, but I would also like to see her wearing those large ankle braces some of the other player wear.
Halep had to dig deep to beat the Lucky Loser Dodin, who was hitting some laser shots.
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Speaking of ankles
Anisimova turned her ankle while winning her match against Q Wang. Mova appeared to be unaffected during the rest of the match and was smiling and signing autographes after the match.
Unfortunately, there is a photo of her today and she is wearing a medical boot and is on crutches.
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If I recall correctly, When Clijsters came back for a second run on tour, she did say something like the birth of her daughter gave her a fresh view on the game. Almost like her body rejuvenated itself. This was some months after she had given birth. I can’t vouch for the science or physiological process under pinning this but Azarenka is pretty similar in game style to Kim 2.0. I think if she gets herself into a good rhythm she could be a tour de force again. At least for a year or two much as Kim did.
Serena’s game is more of explosive power, it’s more difficult to guess at what level she can to return to considering her age as well. But, if anyone can do the unthinkable, it is her.
I think Halep may feel those ankle braces will restrict her movement somewhat. She is turning her ankles pretty often, fingers crossed it doesn’t result in some progressive injury.
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The number 1 WTA match on Friday between Osaka and Svitolina to be played at 11:00 in the morning before the vast number of the fans have arrived?
Where do they find these nutcase tournament directors?
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