Day 4 of WTA action in Miami sees the World No. 1 in action, as her quest for a Sunshine Double begins. While that may be the headline, it is far from all that will be on display. As always, we here at LWOT will be bringing you predictions for every matchup—but who do you think will advance?

WTA Miami Day 4 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Sorana Cirstea

Head-to-head: Noskova 2-1 Cirstea

This is already the third meeting of the year between Linda Noskova and Sorana Cirstea, with the pair splitting the first two encounters. Less than two weeks ago, Noskova won a three-set battle against Cirstea, and this match is again expected to be close. It will likely come down to who serves better on the day and whether Noskova can balance her winners with unforced errors. In the quicker conditions of Miami, Noskova holds a slight edge.
Prediction: Noskova in 3

Elvina Kalieva vs Elise Mertens

Head-to-head: First meeting

Elvina Kalieva has done well to reach the second round here in front of a home crowd after coming through qualifying with her aggressive style. However, against Elise Mertens, she faces a significant step up in competition, and Mertens’ consistency from the baseline should be enough to secure the win.
Prediction: Mertens in 2

Kamilla Rakhimova vs Marta Kostyuk

Head-to-head: Rakhimova 1-0 Kostyuk

Kamilla Rakhimova earned a second chance in Miami as a lucky loser after falling in qualifying and made immediate use of it with a comfortable first-round win. From the baseline, she can trouble Marta Kostyuk, who is still working her way back from injury. However, the serve-return dynamic heavily favours Kostyuk, making any result other than her victory unlikely.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2

Aryna Sabalenka vs Ann Li

Head-to-head: Sabalenka 2-0 Li

Aryna Sabalenka reinforced her status as the best player in the world last week, dramatically winning the Indian Wells title in her first tournament back since the Australian Open. Now targeting the Sunshine Double, her opening challenge in Miami comes against Ann Li. While Li’s intense style can trouble opponents early in tournaments, it is unlikely to pose a major threat to Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2

Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images