Montgomery, Kartal, Fruhvirtová and Claire Liu, Lead the Charge as the Next Generation of Tennis Shines in Miami Open Qualifiers.

March 16th, 2025

The Miami Open kicked off at Hard Rock Stadium with a thrilling day of WTA qualifying matches, showcasing a blend of experienced contenders and rising stars. Emerging talents Robin Montgomery, Sonay Kartal, Linda Fruhvirtová and Claire Liu were among the standout performers, each delivering impressive victories.

Match Highlights

Robin Montgomery (USA) vs. Giulia Pedone (ITA)

American prospect Robin Montgomery dominated Italy’s Giulia Pedone with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory. Known for her powerful baseline game and improved consistency, Montgomery’s strong court awareness continues to boost her reputation as one of the most promising young players in U.S. tennis.

Sonay Kartal (GBR) vs. Jodie Burrage (GBR)

Fresh off her impressive run at Indian Wells, Kartal once again proved her resilience. After narrowly dropping the first set in a tiebreak (6-7[5]), Kartal fought back to claim the second set 6-4 before Burrage retired ahead of the third. Kartal’s mental toughness continues to impress as she gains momentum in British tennis.

Linda Fruhvirtová (CZE) vs. Rebecca Marino (CAN)

Czech rising star Linda Fruhvirtová showcased her sharp shot-making and court movement in a solid 6-4, 6-3 win over Canada’s Rebecca Marino. Already known for her standout junior career, Fruhvirtová’s composed performances continue to fuel her upward trajectory.

Caroline Dolehide (USA) vs. Claire Liu (USA)

In an all-American showdown, Claire Liu staged a dramatic comeback after dropping the first set 2-6. She recovered to win the next two sets 7-6(2), 6-2, eliminating top-seeded qualifier Caroline Dolehide in a hard-fought battle.

Other Notable Matches

• Taylor Townsend (USA) cruised past veteran Shuai Zhang (CHN) in straight sets.
• Tamara Korpatsch (GER) battled through a tough three-setter to edge Jasmine Paolini (ITA).

The day’s action not only highlighted experienced players but also reinforced the growing presence of young talents like Montgomery, Kartal, and Fruhvirtová — all of whom continue to make their mark on the WTA stage.

WTA Qualifying – First Round

• C. Liu (USA) d. [1] C. Dolehide (USA) 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-2
• [14] S. Sorribes Tormo (ESP) d. [WC] L. Tagger (AUT) 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-1
• [2] I. Begu (ROU) d. [WC] W. Sonobe (JPN) 6-3, 6-1
• [16] A. Bondar (HUN) d. M. Inglis (AUS) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
• [3] K. Birrell (AUS) d. A. Sasnovich 6-4, 6-3
• H. Dart (GBR) d. [21] D. Saville (AUS) 2-6, 6-1, 7-5
• E. Shibahara (JPN) d. [4] Z. Sonmez (TUR) 6-3, 1-6, 6-1
• [18] E. Ruse (ROU) d. M. Bjorklund (SWE) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
• [5] E. Lys (GER) d. P. Martic (CRO) 7-5, 6-3
• [23] A. Ito (JPN) d. [WC] K. Efremova (FRA) 6-2, 6-3
• Y. Bonaventure (BEL) d. [ALT] L. Chirico (USA) 6-4, 3-0 RET
• L. Stefanini (ITA) d. [15] C. Bucsa (ESP) 6-4, 1-6, 6-3
• [7] B. Pera (USA) d. M. Stakusic (CAN) 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
• [19] R. Montgomery (USA) d. [WC] G. Pedone (ITA) 6-2, 6-0
• [8] S. Kartal (GBR) d. J. Burrage (GBR) 6-7(5), 6-4, 0-0 RET
• [13] T. Townsend (USA) d. [ALT] C. Branstine (CAN) 6-2, 6-4
• [9] L. Siegemund (GER) d. A. Konjuh (CRO) 6-2, 6-3
• [WC] L. Fruhvirtova (CZE) d. [20] R. Marino (CAN) 6-3, 6-3
• [10] M. Joint (AUS) d. S. Errani (ITA) 7-6(6), 7-6(4)
• R. Masarova (SUI) d. [24] M. Sawangkaew (THA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
• [11] T. Maria (GER) d. L. Jeanjean (FRA) 6-2, 6-2
• [22] Y. Starodubtseva (UKR) d. V. Lepchenko (USA) 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
• [12] G. Minnen (BEL) d. J. Niemeier (GER) 7-5, 6-1
• [WC] T. Kostovic (SRB) d. [17] O. Gadecki (AUS) 6-3, 7-5

The Miami Open continues through March 30th, with these rising stars looking to build on their early momentum.

The Miami Open presented by Itaú has a ticket for every kind of fan. Take advantage of Single Session Tickets for reserved seats on the stadium court or a Ground Pass for an affordable way to explore the tournament, catch rising stars on outer courts and enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere. Whatever your style, there’s a perfect way to experience the action. For ticket information, please visit www.miamiopen.com.