American surge in Miami: Danielle Collins leads local charge on upset-filled day

It was a remarkable day for the local players at the Miami Open, led by Danielle Collins and highlighted by major upsets. Three seeded players were eliminated by American women, while the men didn’t enjoy the same fortune.

Taylor Townsend, Hailey Baptiste, and Ashlyn Krueger pulled off some of the biggest surprises, each taking down a top-20 player. The most notable victory came from Krueger, who ousted former Wimbledon champion and seventh seed Elena Rybakina.

Read also

Tournament Centre WTA Miami Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

WTA: Americans Rule the Day

The home crowd surely played a role in several upsets in the women’s draw. The first surprise of the day came from World No. 90 Taylor Townsend, who edged past Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva 7-6(2), 1-6, 6-1. Townsend showed great composure in key moments, overcoming a tough opening set to knock out a formidable opponent.

The biggest shock came later in the day when 23-year-old qualifier Hailey Baptiste (No. 98) took down 12th seed Daria Kasatkina. Baptiste came back from a set down to unexpectedly eliminate "Dasha," who seemed on course for a routine win.

Read also

Tournament Centre ATP Miami Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Adding to the American success, 20-year-old Krueger continued her rise on tour with her first-ever top-10 victory, taking out two-time Miami Open finalist Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh star had been one of the tournament’s top contenders, making Krueger’s win even more remarkable.

Defending champion and 14th seed Danielle Collins was among the few Americans favoured before the matches. The former Australian Open runner-up displayed her comfort on the Miami courts, battling past the ever-tricky Sorana Cirstea (No. 101) 6-4, 7-6(3).

It wasn’t all victories for the home players, though. Lauren Davis fell to Paris 2024 gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, who remains in top form after her Indian Wells campaign. Sofia Kenin was defeated by compatriot Coco Gauff, while Alycia Parks couldn’t get past Canada’s 26th seed Leylah Fernandez.

Read also

Naomi Osaka finds her form, cruises past Liudmila Samsonova into Round of 32

ATP: Giron and Brooksby out, Opelka keeps hopes alive

The American men didn’t enjoy the same success. World No. 44 Marcos Giron, fresh off his first top-5 win over Casper Ruud at Indian Wells, couldn’t replicate that form. Despite taking the first set, he fell to Australia’s Jordan Thompson 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Jenson Brooksby put up a good fight but ultimately lost to Russia’s Roman Safiulin in a tightly contested match. Brooksby, returning to the tour after over a year away due to suspension, showed glimpses of his old level, but Safiulin proved superior under pressure, converting 3/5 break points compared to Brooksby’s 2/9.

Read also

Joao Fonseca downs Learner Tien again, advances to Miami Open second round

In an all-American clash, Reilly Opelka eased past former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Christopher Eubanks in straight sets. After two years sidelined by injury, Opelka has looked physically strong since his return, and this win will surely boost his confidence moving forward.

Closing out the day on the main stadium court, 19-year-old American Learner Tien faced Brazil’s Joao Fonseca. Despite putting up a fight, Tien fell 7-6, 3-6, 4-6, marking his third consecutive loss to Fonseca after two defeats at the Next Gen ATP Finals in December 2024.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe