TENNIS
Who’s the favorite at the 2023 Miami Open? Djokovic out and Alcaraz to defend No. 1 spot
The second ATP Masters 1000 on US soil is about to begin after Carlos Alcaraz lifted the Indian Wells Trophy on Sunday. Who will reign supreme in Miami?
The hard-court season started as tennis fans could have expected, with plenty of action and thrilling games at Indian Wells.
Daniil Medvedev got to the Californian tournament arguably as the most in-form player by winning in Rotterdam, Doha, and Dubai, after a 14-match winning streak.
The Russian talent added another extra five wins to his run to get to the Indian Wells final, but he ultimately tasted defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish superstar won the third Masters 1000 of his career and took the world No. 1 spot back.
The current US Open champion will be looking to defend the title in Miami, where he was crowned champion by defeating Casper Ruud in the final last year. But can he record back-to-back wins in Indian Wells and Miami?
The Miami Open: the favorites
With Djokovic not being able to play in Miami due to his vaccination status, and Rafa Nadal missing the event to get fully recovered from his injury, it’s hard not to see Alcaraz as the main favorite to go all the way.
The Spaniard didn’t lose a set in California and the way he dismantled Medvedev’s arsenal in the final makes him the safe bet here.
Alcaraz has always said he feels very comfortable on hard courts and although his game also suits clay, his aggressive style and power make the difference on faster surfaces.
Despite clearly losing to Alcaraz, Medvedev will be among the main favorites to lift the trophy, together with US players Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, who will enjoy playing in front of their fans in these conditions.
Alexander Zverev could also be a threat, but he hasn’t shown his best game since recovering from his injury, while players like Felix Auger Aliassime, Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner, or Holger Rune could make deep runs.