Get ready for a heavyweight clash under the lights of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens! The ‘Danimal’ Danielle Collins is set to defend her Miami Open crown against the ‘Tigress’ Aryna Sabalenka. Tennis fans might recall Sabalenka ending Collins’ impressive 15-match streak in Madrid last year. Now, history could repeat itself, as Sabalenka has the opportunity to halt Collins’ own formidable nine-match winning streak right here in Miami. Collins fought tooth and nail to keep her title defense alive in the previous round. Can she now overcome the top seed and advance to the quarterfinals?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Danielle Collins: Preview

Aryna Sabalenka had a stellar start to her season in 2025. She clinched the title at the Brisbane International and also made it to the final at the Australian Open. Although she struggled a bit in the Middle East swing, Sabalenka made a strong comeback in Indian Wells. However, even there, she felt just one step short of a title triumph, losing against 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva.

Here in Miami, she has already got off to a flying start and she’ll be entering the contest against Collins following her opponent, Elena-Gabriela Ruse’s mid-match retirement in the R32.

On the other side, Danielle Collins has now entered into the R16 of the Miami Open for the fourth time in her career. She defeated Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova, 6-4,3-6,6-3, in the previous round.

Sabalenka vs Collins: Head-to-Head

Aryna Sabalenka has so far enjoyed near-complete dominance over the American in each of their previous six meetings. Sabalenka currently leads their H2H record by 6-0.

• 2024 Rome SF: Sabalenka, 7-5,6-2.
• 2024 Madrid R16: Sabalenka, 4-6,6-4,6-3.
• 2022 US Open R16: Sabalenka, 3-6,6-3,6-2.
• 2021 US Open R32: Sabalenka, 6-3,6-3.
• 2019 Wuhan R32: Sabalenka, 6-1,6-0.
• 2018 US Open R128: Sabalenka, 6-0,4-6,6-4.

Prediction: Sabalenka will win this match in three sets

Both these players know each other’s game pretty well, but looking at their H2H record, Aryna Sabalenka looks a clear favorite here. Collins (15) currently has a win-loss record of just 5-3. Sabalenka (1) has a win-loss record of 19-4 in 2025. So, looking at their current form also, the Belarusian seems to be the most likely to keep her unbeaten streak intact against Collins.

Sabalenka’s best record in this tournament was reaching the QF twice (2021,2023). In this aspect, Collins has a better record and the home factor could also play a role in this match. So, considering all of these, I think the American might push the number one to three sets in this match.

Talking about their playing styles, Collins is known for her aggressive, baseline-oriented playing style, characterized by powerful groundstrokes, a strong backhand, and a versatile game that allows her to dominate rallies and apply pressure on opponents. Her style of play allows her to hit a high number of winners, but at the same time, she’s often seen generating a high number of double faults. Her biggest strengths are inside-out forehand and kick serve.

On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka is also known for her aggressive, power-packed style of play, characterized by strong serve and explosive groundstrokes, particularly her forehand, which she uses to dominate rallies and force opponents onto the back foot. Her game is based more on taking control of points and hitting winners. Beating Sabalenka on the hard courts is a really tough ask, so I feel she will win this battle of two power-hitters in Miami.