Miami Open 2023: Sabalenka vs Rogers Prediction, Odds & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Miami Open first-round match featuring Aryna Sabalenka vs Shelby Rogers on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Shelby Rogers Match Preview

It will be the first outing for Indian Wells finalist Aryna Sabalenka. Last year the Belarusian suffered an embarrassing early exit at the Miami Open. Could lightning strike twice when she takes on Shelby Rogers on Friday?

Despite falling short in the title match at Indian Wells last weekend, Aryna Sabalenka has put together a mesmeric 17-2 record for the season. That run includes a maiden Grand Slam singles win at the Australian Open, and the Belarusian has grown into the most feared player on tour in the first quarter of 2023. But given Shelby Rogers’ record of knocking off title favorites down the years, we should not give an easy pass for the Belarusian.

Shelby Rogers, meanwhile, won the first career meeting against fellow American Sloane Stephens in three sets. Rogers is 11-7 for the season and has a history of upsetting the odds against the top 10 players. But given her lopsided record against Aryna Sabalenka her stay in at the Miami Open will likely end in the second round.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Shelby Rogers Prediction and Pick

Aryna Sabalenka leads Shelby Rogers 3-0 in their head-to-head. Sabalenka blew the American off the court in the second round of the Australian Open en route to the title two months ago. While we expect an improved display from the world #42, Sabalenka is unlikely to have any obstacles in cruising into the third round at the Miami Open.