Daniela Hantuchova in Miami

Daniela, seeded 27 gets a bye into the second round in this week’s tournament in Miami.  Her second round match will either be against Virginia Ruano Pascual or Tamarine Tanasugarn, and a possible third round against Venus Williams.  In other words: this is a tough draw for Daniela!  Even though Ruano Pascual and Tanasugarn aren’t seeded, they have both beaten Daniela, not too long ago – in straight sets.  Plus, Venus Williams has a 0-5 record against Daniela, but who knows now with Venus being away from the tour so long and her early exit at the Australian Open? 

Daniela has struggled all through last season, with personal problems and coaching changes, this season shows a lot of uncertainty because in the last 6 tournaments (36 matches), only 3 matches were won.  The first two matches that she won were definite confident boost for Daniela, she needed that win over Alicia Molik and Maria Sharapova, and it looked like everything was getting back into place but with last week’s early exit in Indian Wells – it’s still a foggy place for Daniela.  Last year in Miami, with the temperature highly above 30°C, Daniela was sent home in her second round match by unseeded Alicia Molik in 3-sets.  The temperature and humidity in Miami is so high that it can be a bother to some players, this year the temperature seems relatively alright, mainly in the mid 20’s, so hopefully this is will play out to be a good factor for Daniela.   Main draw will probably start on Wednesday.  Good luck Daniela!  Play your heart out!