Jessica Pegula vs Katherine Sebov Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Miami

Prediction published on 21/03/2023, 12:47  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 23/03/2023 at 06:25 in Tennis Predictions

Jessica Pegula is still chasing her first singles title of the year. The American takes on qualifier Katherine Sebov in the second round of the Miami Masters after receiving a first round bye. Pegula is the third seed but the second highest remaining seed after the withdrawal of world number one Iga Swiatek. The winner of this match will take on either 30th seeded Danielle Collins or lucky loser Viktorija Tomova. Pegula began this year being part of the American team that won the United Cup. Her first three singles tournaments of 2023 all saw her reach the latter stages. Pegula got to the last eight of the Australian Open and then the final in Doha where she lost to Swiatek. The following week saw her get to the semi-final in Dubai losing to eventual winner Barbora Krejcikova without winning a game in the final set. Indian Wells didn't go so well with a third set tie-break loss in the last 16 to Petra Kvitova. Last year in this tournament, Pegula reached the semi-finals and was beaten by Iga Swiatek, at least that won't happen this year but can she get that far or even the final?

Katherine Sebov was not expected to reach the second round of the Miami Masters. The Canadian began this tournament way down the ranking list at a career high 172nd and had to play two qualifiers to make the main draw. In her final qualifier, Sebov had to come from behind to beat Jodie Burrage and reach the main draw in Miami for the first time. That saw her take on Linda Fruhvirtova who she beat in three sets, losing the middle one. Her three wins this week have seen her rise to 146th. This year began with her ranked 195th but she did reach the first round of the Australian Open, winning three qualifiers. This month has seen her win an ITF tournament in Toronto but no top 270 players were beaten. Pegula can be backed to win this in straight sets but keep an eye on Sebov in future tournaments.