Bianca Andreescu walks onto the court at the Miami Open.

Photo : Mauricio Paiz/Tennis Canada

On the latest episode of Match Point Canada, Ben and Mike chat all things Miami Open with just one week remaining in the Masters and WTA 1000 event!

With Iga Swiatek out due to injury, the hosts examine the potential favourites who could prevail on the women’s side, including Elena Rybakina who has the opportunity to complete the “Sunshine Double.”

Mississauga’s Bianca Andreescu has also played terrific tennis in Miami, and they looked at her prospects for the remainder of the tournament and season as a whole.

“She’s building momentum,” says Mike McIntyre.

“When Bianca is on her game and feeling confident, she has the repertoire to make people feel uncomfortable.”

(NOTE: Episode recorded prior to the injury Bianca Andreescu suffered on court)

While Leylah Annie Fernandez did exit early, major milestones were set by Toronto’s Katherine Sebov.

Read also: Andreescu cruises past Kenin

The 23-year-old broke through by qualifying for the event and winning the first WTA 1000 main draw match of her career.

There were also interesting comments made from former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova about where she fits on the WTA landscape.

On the men’s side, Mike and Ben look at the sheer dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and discuss potential contenders who can stop him from repeating in Miami.

Ben considers Jannik Sinner a possible challenger.

“I know Alcaraz has beaten him the last couple of times they’ve played, but I think Sinner is very close to his talent and skill set, he’s incredible from the baseline and a young phenom.”

Read also: Alcaraz returns to No. 1 with Indian Wells victory

Unfortunately, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovaov made early exits.

In the meantime, the hosts discuss the feasibility of more fan engagement and interaction during tennis matches after American Frances Tiafoe suggested the idea last week, while Juan Martin del Potro suggested a plan to return to the tour by the US Open!

Listen to our newest episode of Match Point Canada, available on MegaphoneApple Podcasts, or Spotify below. Enjoy!

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