Miami Master Series preview

This week will see the second Masters Series event of the year get under way in Miami.

The top two players in the world are yet to win a title this season, and will both be looking to change that here. However Federer has lost the air of invincibility he has been shrouded in for the last three years, whilst more and more opponents seem to be finding ways of hitting through Nadal’s heroic defense.

Novak Djokovic is without a doubt the form player in the world at the moment, and he has an excellent chance of defending the title he claimed here last year. Andy Roddick, who started the season so well, will be hoping to avenge his early loss at Indian Wells by having a good run in Miami, and if he finds his serve there are not many who can stop him.

On the British side of things, both Alex Bogdanovic and Anne Keothavong failed to make it through qualification. A-Bog went out to Serbian Victor Troicki 6-4 3-6 6-1 in the first round, whilst Keothavong made it to the second round before going out to the number four seed Anastasia Rodinova 6-1 3-6 6-3.

So, once again Andy Murray is our only British hope, and the Scot has been handed a very tough draw. He has a bye into the second round, but is likely to find himself up against the in form wildcard Mario Ancic. But, if he make it through that match he will fancy his chances of making it through to the semi-finals, where he could meet Roger Federer.

Bad news for the Brits

Katie O’Brien, Anne Keothavong, Jamie Baker and Alex Bogdanovic have all crashed out of the qualifying for the Indian Wells Masters Series event.

All four Britons were in action in the build up to the main tournament but none could make it through to the main draw to join Andy Murray. O’Brien went out to Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 4-6 4-6 in her second round match, while Keothavong lost to No 10 seed in the qualifying draw, Russian Galina Voskoboeva, 5-7 6-0 1-6.

It was even worse for Bogdanovic and Baker who both lost in their first round matches. ‘A-Bog’ lost against the world No 126, Japanese Kel Nishikori , 4-6 6-4 5-7, while Baker lost against the world No 97, Frenchman Florent Serra, 6-7(7) 1-6.

All British interest is not lost yet however, as both Murray brothers are in action, with Jamie partnering Max Mirnyi once again in the doubles.

The qualifying draw can be viewed here.

Mens Singles

Womens Singles