Elina Svitolina vs Petra Kvitova Prediction | Head-to-Head | Stats: Miami Open 2021

Elina Svitolina vs Petra Kvitova: Miami Open Preview

A captivating clash is on the cards as the fifth seed Elina Svitolina locks horns against the ninth seed Petra Kvitova in the fourth round of the Miami Open.

Svitolina overcame the 30th seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(1) 6-4 in the round of 32. The Ukrainian won 68% of points on her second serve and clinched 67% of points on her first-serve. It was her third win in a row against the Russian. 

On the other hand, Kvitova thrashed the 17th seed Johanna Konta 6-1 6-2 in a one-sided encounter in the third round. The Czech dominated the proceedings from start to finish smashing five aces, pounding 19 winners, claiming 86% of points on her first-serve and also saving four out of five breakpoints.

Head to Head Record

Kvitova leads the head to head record by a comfortable margin of 7-2 against Svitolina. This is their first clash since the WTA Finals in 2018. 

Key Insights

• Kvitova lost to Ashleigh Barty in three sets in the quarterfinals of the last Miami Open in 2019.
• Svitolina was defeated by Chinese player Wang Yafan in straight sets in the second round in the Miami Open 2019.
• Kvitova is playing in the fourth round of the Miami Open for the fourth time in her career.
• Both Kvitova and Svitolina have never won the Miami Open in their careers so far.

Elina Svitolina vs Petra Kvitova: Game Analysis

Svitolina would be concerned with the way she has been surrendering momentum to her opponents after taking early leads. The Ukrainian is not able to capitalize on her strong starts and is forced to play clutch tennis to reel off points continuously to win matches at the end. 

 Kvitova would be mighty pleased with her performance in Miami as she has conceded only 7 games in her two matches so far. Her serve has been very consistent enough not to get broken. Her superior returning skills and valiant volleying has also helped her game immensely.

The Czech has also fully recovered from her thigh injury on the right leg that forced her to retire hurt in the recent Dubai Open match against Jil Teichmann. She would be fresh for the clash against Svitolina having emerged victorious against Konta in less than an hour. 

Svitolina's game revolves around powerful groundstrokes effectively supported by a topspin heavy forehand and a flat down-the-line backhand. The Ukrainian is not so comfortable at the net and can struggle to finish points. 

The leftie Kvitova is an attacking player with a deep forehand and can hit well-timed overhead shots from the net. The Czech needs to keep a close watch on her inconsistent footwork though. Kvitova can also leave her opponents on the wrong foot with delicate drop shots. 

Elina Svitolina vs Petra Kvitova: Miami Open Prediction

This scintillating showdown between the two top-10 ranked players can go the distance. The Czech has been ruthless so far in Miami while Svitolina has been forced to play catch-up against her opponents to emerge victorious. 

Having just won the Qatar Open a few weeks back by defeating Garbine Muguruza in straight sets in the finals, Kvitova has the slight edge against Svitolina owing to her rich vein of form on hardcourts recently. 

Svitolina's right wrist injury that she suffered against Alexandrova will also affect her chances severely.

Prediction - Petra Kvitova to win in three sets

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