Miami 2011: Editors' Picks

Peter BodoSenior Editor

Vera Zvonareva: The No. 3 seed needs to re-group, and she’s in the same half as Kim Clijsters, who is having shoulder problems. Wozniacki has played well for weeks, and a letdown would not be disastrous.

Rafael Nadal: Rafa got burned by Novak Djokovic in the desert, and while I’m sure the world No. 1 didn't take him lightly, I imagine he’s a little miffed that he hasn’t bagged a hard-court title yet this year.

Steve TignorSenior Editor

Vera Zvonareva: She could face a tricky early match against Dinara Safina, but Zvonareva had played too well this year not to challenge for one of the U.S. hard-court titles.

Rafael Nadal: He improved through the week at Indian Wells, until his collapse in the final, and the world No. 1 is due for his first title of 2011.

Richard PagliaroSenior Editor

Li Na: If Clijsters was healthy, she would be my pick. Since Clijsters and former Miami champ Victoria Azarenka both retired from Indian Wells with injury, the default pick is Li, who started the season 11-1 and is too good for her four-match losing streak to continue.

Rafael Nadal: Given that Djokovic beat the world’s top two to capture Indian Wells and extend his unbeaten streak, my heart tells me to ride the hot hand. But Nadal self-destructed on serve yet still took the final the distance. If Rafa can regain the range on his first serve, he is a threat to win Miami for the first time.

Ed McGroganOnline Editor

Caroline Wozniacki: She looks a cut above everyone at the moment and is thriving as a Slamless One, unlike previous editions. With the Williamses out and Clijsters a question mark, Wozniacki could pull off the IW/KB double. It would add pressure at the majors but is an incredible achievement on its own.

Andy Murray: The sullen Scot is almost always a factor during the spring and summer U.S. hard-court swings. Last seen at the Aussie Open final, Murray is due for a rebound performance, and I can see him putting the first dent in Djokovic’s perfectly-polished armor in the quarters.

Peter BodoSenior Editor

Marion Bartoli: Hey, she’s got a higher IQ than Einstein, right? So let her get this title (it would be her first big one) and then go off to solve global warming or Maria Sharapova’s service motion.

David Ferrer: A guy of his caliber ought to win at least one Masters-level title (think Ivan Ljubicic), and Miami occasionally kicks up a surprise champ in either division. So, why not now?

Steve TignorSenior Editor

Petra Kvitova: She’s terminally hot and cold. In Indian Wells she was cold; she might be hot again in Key Biscayne. If she is, she can beat anyone.

Stanislas Wawrinka: He’s played well against everyone except countryman Federer this year; this time he’s nowhere near big brother in the draw.

Richard PagliaroSenior Editor

Svetlana Kuznetsova: Picking the enigmatic Kuznetsova is like falling asleep on sunny South Beach—you can wake up with a warm glow or completely burned. If the player who beat three Top 20 players en route to the Dubai final shows up, rather than the player who has lost three in a row, Kuznetsova could be a factor.

David Ferrer: An early exit in Indian Wells could work in Ferrer’s favor. He enters Miami well-rested, with a 14-3 record this year, including two titles, and reached successive Miami semis in 2005 and 2006. If he survives a likely third-round clash with Milos Raonic, Ferrer could make a run.

Ed McGroganOnline Editor

Ana Ivanovic: If Clijsters is ailing, Ivanovic, who played well at Indian Wells, could take advantage. Early-rounders are no sure thing for the hard-hitting Serb, but if she could beat Clijsters in the quarters—or avoid her completely, becoming a tentative favorite in that part of the draw—it would be a large boost of confidence.

Mardy Fish: Juan Martin del Potro ought to be fatigued and Robin Soderling, for all his achievements, has reached but one Masters final, so it’s a wide open third quarter. If Fish can string together some wins, he’ll only have to face one of those big men—at most—before the semis.