The opening day of the 2025 Miami Open kicks off with some interesting WTA matches. Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka is the most high-profile player on the schedule, and her match is among those predicted in this article. We here at LWOT predict the other contests in separate articles, including Taylor Townsend vs Ann Li, Petra Kvitova vs Sofia Kenin, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Magda Linette.
WTA Miami Day 1 Predictions
Greet Minnen vs Rebeka Masarova
Head-to-head: Minnen 4-0 Masarova
Minnen thrived against Masarova’s attempts to be aggressive in their previous matches. The Swiss has been unable to find the right balance in those battles, with Minnen utilizing an attacking style but also throwing in some variety to disrupt her opponent. Masarova will rightly take confidence from beating the talented teenager Maya Joint in the qualifiers, but this is still a challenging matchup for her.
Prediction: Minnen in 2
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Claire Liu
Head-to-head: Liu 1-0 Fruhvirtova
Both women were very impressive in the qualifiers. Liu beat the No. 1 seed Caroline Dolehide and the experienced Sara Sorribes Tormo, while Fruhvirtova destroyed Laura Siegemund to seal her spot in the main draw. Overall, the medium speed and bounce at the Miami Open suit Fruhvirtova’s game perfectly and might give her the edge over the home favorite.
Prediction: Fruhvirtova in 3
Rebecca Sramkova vs Lucrezia Stefanini
Head-to-head: Sramkova 1-0 Stefanini
After breaking through spectacularly in the closing stages of last season, Sramkova has endured a difficult first few months of 2025. However, this is an ideal opening-round draw for the Slovakian. Stefanini is ranked outside the Top 100 and does not have weapons to hurt Sramkova. The three-time WTA finalist probably does not need to be at her best to prevail in this matchup.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Osaka will be in danger if she plays like her opening round in Indian Wells against Camila Osorio, a performance the Japanese called the worst of her career. Like Sramkova, Osaka has received a good draw on paper. Starodubtseva is yet to win a main draw match in 2025, and her performances have been lackluster. The Ukrainian’s flat-hitting game can be dangerous when it fires, but the two-time US Open champion should be confident of winning.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
