Sofia Kenin vs Petra Kvitova Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Another tight loss beckons in Kvitova's comeback

Kvitova is back on tour for the first time since 2023 after taking maternity leave - and the Czech has been competitive in her two matches, going down in three sets in Austin and Indian Wells. A champion in Miami in 2023, Kvitova has a strong 23-12 record at the WTA 1000 tournament and she can make Kenin work for this victory.

The American deserves favouritism given the stage both are at in their respective careers, while Kenin prevailed 6-4 7-5 in their most-recent encounter in the 2020 French Open semi-finals. Kvitova obviously has the big ball-striking, but consistency will be tough to maintain three matches into her comeback against a baseline grinder like Kenin, who will get lots of balls back. I'm backing another tight three-set loss for Kvitova, which will push this match over 20.5 total games, with Kenin also a good chance to cover.

Kvitova leads 2-1, including a three-set victory at Miami 2018. Kenin was triumphant in the latest encounter in the 2020 French Open semi-finals.

Kenin comes into this clash with a 11-7 record at all levels this season and is gradually starting to showcase some consistency at No. 46 in the world.

The American is still way off the level that propelled her to No. 4 in the world and the Australian Open title, but quarter-final appearances in Hobart and Dubai already in 2025 are encouraging signs.

Victories over the likes of Donna Vekic, Marta Kostyuk and Jasmine Paolini at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai were impressive, while Kenin also reached the R16 in Doha.

The 26-year-old is coming off a second round showing in Indian Wells, where she beat Maddy Inglis before going down in three sets to Daria Kasatkina. Kenin's best result in Miami have been a trio of third round showings in 2018, 2021 and 2023.

Not really much form to go on here for Kvitova, who is playing just her third tournament since 2023 after taking maternity leave.

There's not really much expectations for Kvitova at 35 years of age, but the two-time Wimbledon champion has been competitive in her comeback events.

Indeed, Kvitova pushed Jodie Burrage to three sets in the opening round of Austin and also went down in three to Varvara Gracheva at Indian Wells last week.

Kvitova has enjoyed lots of success in Miami in the past, including taking home the 2023 title.