Miami Day 4 previews: Sabalenka vs. Badosa, Osaka vs. Svitolina, Medvedev vs. Fucsovics

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Paula Badosa

Close friends are going head-to-head Friday on Grandstand for the fifth time in their careers. Tied at 2-2, with their previous match going to a deciding set in 2023, this matchup was highly anticipated upon the draw’s release after Badosa landed next to the returning Simona Halep. Will Badosa be able to build off her opening win, where she dug in to deny the Romanian in three sets?

Over the past couple of years, Sabalenka has experienced a momentum shift in her favor. Figuring out her serve as the 2023 season began spearheaded a great deal of confidence for the Belarusian, and the rest is history. On the other hand, Badosa's recent seasons have been met with injuries and she's working to rediscover her competitive self.

This latest chapter between the two comes with a diffifcult set of circumstances, as Sabalenka processes the "unthinkable tragedy" of Konstantin Koltsov's passing. It's a tough situation for the Spaniard to be in on the other side of the net as well, but Sabadosa's powerful friendship will outweigh any end result. Winner: Sabalenka

Naomi Osaka vs. Elina Svitolina

These two moms are shaking up draws once again, bringing both experience and maturity to each match. Osaka’s return this year has been a slow-turning tide. While her game is as level-headed as before her 15-month break from the tour, the former world No. 1 is still finding her groove on the competitive front. Svitolina had a similar experience returning last year from a WTA hiatus and pregnancy, but soon dialed in with several statement performances to earn her way back inside the Top 20.

Osaka and Svitolina have an even head-to-head record, with the four-time major title holder winning their most recent encounter back in 2019. Though Osaka is playing “the most free” tennis since her return, Svitolina’s aggressive baseline game will challenge Osaka’s accurate shot selections, making for a must-see battle of veterans. Winner: Svitolina

Daniil Medvedev vs. Marton Fucsovics

Medvedev leads the series against Fucscovics 3-1, but that doesn’t mean the Hungarian should be brushed aside. Their last encounter at Wimbledon in 2023 went to four sets, proving to be a difficult battle for both players. Fucsovics is arguably still looking to produce a significant breakthrough run on tour, with one Wimbledon quarterfinal and one fourth-round showing at Indian Wells to his name.

As for Medvedev, he once again looks to successfully defend a title for the first time in his career. While it’s never a good idea to count out an underdog—as we saw at Indian Wells with Luca Nardi—Medvedev has plenty of intel on his 32-year-old opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and positive memories to draw from at Hard Rock Stadium. Fucsovics is just 3-28 against Top 10 opponents, and none of those victories came on hard courts. Winner: Medvedev