Top Seeds Face Off at WTA Miami Open: Sabalenka vs. Tomova

MIAMI, Fla. — Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, is set to face Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova in the round of 64 at the WTA Miami Open on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The match is scheduled to start at 2:20 PM ET, part of an exciting Day 3 lineup featuring many prominent names in women’s tennis.

Sabalenka is coming off a strong showing at the Indian Wells, where she reached the final but fell short of victory. Despite this setback, she is optimistic about her performance leading into the Miami Open, where past results have not lived up to her expectations. Her first opponent, Tomova, triumphed in her first-round match but now faces an uphill battle against the top seed.

Simulations by Dimers predict Sabalenka as the overwhelming favorite, holding a 93% chance of winning against Tomova. Greg Butyn, a data analyst at Dimers, noted, ‘Our model has simulated this matchup 10,000 times, indicating a significant statistical advantage for Sabalenka as she looks to improve her record in Miami.’

In the context of their head-to-head record, this match marks the first encounter between the two players. Sabalenka’s recent performance has shown her rekindled form, which is critical for her efforts to advance further in the tournament.

‘After my time in Indian Wells, I feel more focused and revitalized,’ said Sabalenka. ‘It’s important for me to capitalize on this momentum here at the Miami Open.’

Tomova enters this match after a solid first-round showing, completing her victory without any double faults and winning five out of eight break points. While the Bulgarian may possess the mental tenacity required to compete, analysts suggest that overcoming Sabalenka’s strong baseline game will be a challenge.

The betting odds reflect expectations for a one-sided matchup, with Sabalenka listed at -5000 and Tomova at +1600. For the first set, the odds are similarly skewed, giving Sabalenka a significant advantage.

As the tournament progresses, Sabalenka aims to build on her recent success and prove her capabilities as a title contender in Miami, a venue where she has historically struggled. Fans are eager to see if she can maintain her level of play against Tomova, who may not have the physical prowess to pose a significant danger in this contest.

In conclusion, Thursday’s matchup not only highlights the rising star status of Sabalenka but also serves as a platform for Tomova to demonstrate her ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. Tennis enthusiasts await what promises to be a thrilling encounter.