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Mar 29, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Ashleigh Barty of Australia reacts after winning the first set against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured) in the fourth round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Ashleigh Barty of Australia reacts after winning the first set against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured) in the fourth round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Australian World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty kicked off her clay season with a comfortable win over Japanese Misaki Doi 6-2, 6-1. Hence, she will meet American Shelby Rogers in the third round. Shelby upset 13th seed, Amanda Anisimova, 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Unquestionably, the 24-year-old Australian has been exhibiting some of her best tennis performances on the WTA Tour this year. Until now, she has won the WTA Melbourne 500 and successfully defended her Miami Masters 1000 title.
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Also, since she faced a shocking loss against Karolina Muchova in the Australian Open quarterfinals, she has only gained more confidence in her game with her recent wins. She will now look forward to maintaining her winning ways and reach the Volvo Car Open quarterfinals.
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Mar 25, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Shelby Rogers of the United States hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine (not pictured) of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
However, the 28-year-old American and World No. 52, Shelby Rogers, is one of the most fearless contestants on the women’s tour. She has amassed a 10-5 win-loss record, she will be up for the challenge against the top seed.
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Ashleigh Barty vs Shelby Rogers: Head-to-Head
In the head-to-head battle between the two, Ashleigh Barty has a convincing 3-0 lead over Shelby Rogers. Interestingly, two of their three meetings have happened in 2021 itself.
The wins for Barty came at the Australian Open 2017 R32, Yarra Valley Classic 2021 quarterfinals, and at the Australian Open 2021 quarterfinals. This begs the question: will a green clay court help Rogers find her first win against the Australian?
Barty vs Rogers: Prediction
Since the start of 2021, Barty has added many skills to her already formidable game sense. Also, her drop shots and inch-perfect returns will continue to frazzle her opponents’ nerves.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 3, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Ashleigh Barty of Australia holds the Butch Bucholz Trophy after her match against Bianca Andreescu of Canada (not pictured) in the women’s singles final in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Moreover, the Australian will target retaining her first serve percentage up and engineering some classic points. However, Rogers will also try to attack the Australian’s service game with all her might.
For the American, creating an upset here will not be a cakewalk, but she needs to stay consistent throughout the encounter. The moment she loses her focus, Barty will not let the advantage go in vain.
Conclusively, Barty is the favorite for the match, but Rogers will fight hard to not lose against the same opponent for the third time this year.
Prediction: Barty to win in three sets and reach Volvo Car Open 2021 quarterfinals.
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