There are several exciting WTA Miami round-of-32 matches scheduled for Day 5. Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, and Karolina Muchova will be among those who step onto the court. We at LWOT predict the other women’s matches, including Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks, in a separate article.

WTA Miami Day 5 Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Katie Boulter

Head-to-head: First meeting

Muchova was far below her best against Camila Osorio, but she narrowly scraped through. Boulter, whose game is centred on powerful hitting, will provide a different challenge to the gritty Osorio. Muchova’s variety is suited to disrupting powerful hitters like Boulter. Despite her patchy performance in the last round, I like her chances here.

Prediction: Muchova in 2

Elise Mertens vs Sorana Cirstea

Head-to-head: Cirstea 3-0 Mertens

These two last played in 2021, which makes the head-to-head slightly less alarming for Mertens. However, Cirstea’s level in her farewell season presents enough of a challenge on its own. The Romanian continued her strong form by defeating Linda Noskova. Yet, I feel Mertens will stop Cirstea’s momentum here. The 30-year-old’s ability to change the pace can knock her fellow veteran off-rhythm, and that could be the ideal way to achieve that after Cirstea’s win against the big-hitting Noskova.

Prediction: Mertens in 3

Amanda Anisimova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva

Head-to-head: Anisimova 1-0 Starodubtseva

Anisimova should manage this challenge without many issues. Starodubtseva tries to be aggressive in her matches and possesses a powerful backhand. Unfortunately for the Ukrainian, Anisimova strikes the ball even harder and has one of the best backhands in tennis. Starodubtseva’s defense is unlikely to cope in the rallies.

Prediction: Anisimova in 2

Mirra Andreeva vs Marie Bouzkova

Head-to-head: Andreeva 3-0 Bouzkova

Being solid and making few unforced errors is the core of Bouzkova’s game. Andreeva dealt with that style well in her previous meetings with the Czech. There is nothing about the conditions in Miami that indicates Bouzkova will fare any better here. Expect Andreeva’s superior ball-striking and more complete overall game to triumph.

Prediction: Andreeva in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images