Miami Open 2021: Bianca Andreescu vs Amanda Anisimova Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction

Miami Open 2021 is underway and the WTA side of the draw is stacked. There are multiple matchups that are enticing to watch, one of which has come early with two young stars facing each other. US Open 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu will face young American Amanda Anisimova in the third round tomorrow.

Bianca Andreescu against Amanda Anisimova at Miami Open 2021

Andreescu has been rusty given her long time off the sport. Her strong finish to the second half of 2019 saw her winning the US Open defeating the mighty Serena Williams. But she suffered an injury that left her out of tennis for the start of 2020.

Andreescu‘s return to tennis was further delayed as the coronavirus pandemic kicked in and brought the sport to a halt. With all the delays in training, Bianca had to call off her 2020 season. Thus, at the Australian Open 2021, she played her first match in over 14 months.

Her return has been decent, but there is a huge scope of improvement. At Miami Open 2021, she has been good in her first match but yet to reach her 2019 peak.

Anisimova is one of the most promising American players on the tour. She is just 19 years old and is ranked in the top 30. Her 2021 didn’t start off well as she missed the flight to the Australian Open 2021.

Anisimova had a near-perfect match against former Miami Open champ Sloane Stephens. She defeated her in straight sets to set up a clash with her North American counterpart.

Bianca Andreescu vs Amanda Anisimova: Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting between Amanda Anisimova and Bianca Andreescu.

Prediction

Anisimova has venomous groundstrokes, and they were in full flow against Stephens. The major improvement that Anisimova has made to her game is in her defense. Anisimova quickly turned defense into offense and that won her the match against Stephens.

Bianca’s game plan is opposite to that of Anisimova’s. She comes to the net more often, targets quick returns, and deploys great drop shots and slices. This could change the deal for the Canadian because on the baseline Anisimova has an edge. All in all, there could be great fireworks at the match.

Bianca Andreescu to edge out Amanda Anisimova in three sets