The WTA 1000 Miami Open is underway, with elite stars, including Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, returning as the top seeds. The lineup has drawn the attention of the former coach of Serena and Venus Williams, Rick Macci. The USPTA Hall of Famer has thrown his support behind Polish star Iga Świątek, predicting she could dominate the field and register a thrilling run at Hard Rock Stadium.
Rick Macci Predicts Dominant Miami Open Run for Iga Świątek
Świątek, the World No. 3, has entered the Miami Open after a quarterfinal exit at Indian Wells. There, she toppled opponents like Kayla Day, Maria Sakkari, and Karolína Muchová. Her journey ended with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 loss to Elina Svitolina.
Apart from this, the Polish sensation had both her Australian Open and Qatar Open runs end in losses to Rybakina and Sakkari, respectively. However, despite these exits, Macci shared in a recent X post that Świątek, competing as the second seed, could dominate the Miami Open. Furthermore, he also shared his thoughts on the court conditions, adding that she might find her rhythm in her campaign.
He added, “This year it is the Miami Wide Open. But I feel the player who will flip the script in Florida Sun and Sand is the Punisher from Poland. Even though the courts are fast, I feel the Polish popper will be a show stopper, and remember she is proven, and I feel the Punisher will start moving and grooving. @WTA.”
This year it is the Miami Wide Open. But I feel the player who will flip the script in Florida Sun and Sand is the Punisher from Poland. Even though the courts are fast I feel the Polish popper will be a show stopper and remember she is proven and I feel the Punisher will start…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) March 19, 2026
Given the tournament’s conditions and her preparations, Świątek said adapting would be key, adding, “There’s not much flexibility with the courts because these are the busiest days of the tournament. I’ll try to adjust to the conditions, because that’s the most important thing when it comes to the surface and everything, and to be ready for the first match.”
READ MORE: Iga Świątek Discloses Reasoning Behind Frustrating Miami Open Practice Sessions
In her opening match, the 2022 Miami Open champion, Świątek, will clash with fellow Polish talent Magda Linette, the former World No. 19. Meanwhile, the World No. 1, Sabalenka, returns as the top seed and defending champion. She is coming off her first Indian Wells title, having defeated Rybakina, who is the third seed at the Miami Open.
Apart from them, Coco Gauff is the fourth seed, followed by Jessica Pegula, Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, Mirra Andreeva, and Svitolina. Other notable entries include Victoria Mboko and Amanda Anisimova.
