Coco Gauff secured a narrow passage to the round of 32 at the Miami Open after a hard-fought win on Day 4. Her next challenge will be against her powerful and skilled compatriot, Alycia Parks. This article also features predictions for the matches involving Alexandra Eala and Belinda Bencic. We will also cover all other WTA clashes, such as Amanda Anisimova vs Starodubtseva, in separate analyses. But who will emerge victorious?
WTA Miami Day 5 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Bencic 1-0 Shnaider
Both athletes are expected to play aggressively, aiming to gain an advantage in rallies. Bencic has consistently been a clean ball-striker, but since her return from maternity leave in late 2024, the Olympic Gold Medalist has intensified her offensive approach. Although Shnaider possesses a decent defensive game, I anticipate she will struggle to keep pace with Bencic over three sets. The 21-year-old’s left-handed forehand is particularly susceptible to Bencic’s backhand.
Prediction: Bencic in 3 sets
Alexandra Eala vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Linette 2-1 Eala
Linette delivered one of the tournament’s most significant upsets so far by defeating Iga Swiatek in the previous round. Eala recovered from losing the opening set to triumph over Laura Siegemund after an extended battle. Despite Linette’s impressive recent victory, the Filipina is considered a slight favorite in this encounter. Her experienced opponent’s serve could be vulnerable against the 20-year-old Eala’s exceptional return game, provided Eala avoids an off-day similar to Swiatek’s. Eala is also adept at absorbing pressure and forcing Linette to play more aggressively than she prefers.
Prediction: Eala in 3 sets
Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-head: Gauff 1-0 Parks
Gauff demonstrated her characteristic resilience and determination to overcome Elisabetta Cocciaretto, despite a somewhat inconsistent performance. The dangerous nature of Parks’s powerful serving game was evident in her straight-sets win over Maria Sakkari. Nevertheless, I don’t foresee an upset here. Gauff boasts one of the best first-serve return games in women’s tennis. This positions her perfectly to neutralize Parks’s primary weapon and secure her progression.
Prediction: Gauff in 2 sets
