The top-seeded men will finally get to show off their skills for the crowd at Key Biscayne, Fla., on Friday in the Sony Open. With qualifying and first-round play complete, it’s time for the juggernauts to take the stage.
Sony Open Tennis 2013: Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka in action
A few of the top seeds from the men’s and women’s draws will be on display Friday at the Sony Open. Take a look at the schedule and some of the more important matchups coming up.
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Here’s a rundown of the bigger names on the schedule for Friday.
Stadium Court:
No. 2 Victoria Azarenka vs. Madison Keys, 11 a.m. ET
Will Azarenka finally make it through a tournament injury-free? It’s doubtful, considering she’s still nursing a hurt ankle that forced her to withdraw in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open earlier this month. How is she feeling entering Friday’s match? “Well, I’m here and that’s already a good sign,” said Azarenka to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. At least she’s staying optimistic.
Azarenka also pulled out of Dubai back in February. Both of her losses in 2013 resulted from walkovers. If she can stick this one out, she should have no problem beating the 18-year-old wildcard.
No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro vs. Tobias Kamke, not before 3 p.m. ET
Del Potro defeated Djokovic at Indian Wells before losing a three-set match to Rafael Nadal in the championship. He’s never faced Kamke, but del Potro is playing too well to slip up against the No. 89 player in the world.
No. 3 Maria Sharapova vs. Eugenie Bouchard, not before 5 p.m. ET
Only two players have won back-to-back Indian Wells and Key Biscayne championships in WTA history. Maria Sharapova is looking to become the third after capturing the title last week at the BNP Paribas Open.
Sharapova dropped just a single set in six matches at Indian Wells. She’s easily a favorite to win this one.
No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. Lukas Rosol, 8 p.m. ET
Djokovic won the 2011 and 2012 titles in Miami. Who do you think is the front-runner on the men’s side this year? Before losing to del Potro at Indian Wells, Djokovic was riding a 22-match win streak. His 2013 campaign is shaping up to be another historic run.
With three titles at the Sony Open and a 24-4 overall record, Djokovic is the most dangerous man in the field.
Grandstand (matches run continuously beginning at 11 a.m. ET):
No. 24 Julien Benneteau vs. James Blake
Playing as a wild card, Blake breezed past Ryan Harrison, 6-2, 6-2, in the opening round. Benneteau holds a slim 2-1 edge all-time against Blake, but after being bounced early at the BNP Paribas Open, the American could pull off the upset.
No. 11 Gilles Simon vs. Lleyton Hewitt
Another wild card, Hewitt won in straight sets as well in his first match. Simon struggled at Indian Wells, going to three sets in all three of his matches. He won the last two meetings with Hewitt, though.
For the full schedule, click here.
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