Day 5 at the Miami Open brings some intriguing second and third round matchups as the tournament continues to take shape. Rain has already disrupted the schedule in the opening days, so there’s plenty riding on getting these matches in. Here’s a look at what to expect from three of the most interesting contests on the card.

WTA Miami Open Day 5 Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Talia Gibson

Head-to-Head: Osaka 1-0 Gibson

Their only prior meeting came on grass at Wimbledon last year, so this will be their first encounter on hard court. Gibson has been in sensational form, winning nine of her last ten matches including a run to the Indian Wells quarterfinals as a qualifier. Her 6-1 6-0 demolition of Bejlek in round one was as ruthless as it gets.

Naomi Osaka, though, has been quietly solid in 2026, she reached the fourth round at Indian Wells. Gibson’s momentum is real, but Osaka’s hard court experience and big-match temperament give her the edge when it matters. Expect a competitive match, but Osaka’s serve and clean hitting should ultimately be the difference.

Prediction: Osaka in 3

Jessica Pegula vs Francesca Jones

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Jones did well to beat Venus Williams in the opening round, but Pegula is an entirely different challenge. The American has had an excellent 2026 season, reaching the Australian Open semifinals before going on to win the Dubai title, beating Svitolina in straight sets in the final.

Jessica Pegula’s consistency from the baseline is among the best on the tour, Jones’s WTA hard court record is modest by comparison, and while she showed good fight against Williams, Pegula’s level and experience on this surface should be too much. The American should get through this one without being overly tested.

Prediction: Pegula in 2

Victoria Mboko vs Anastasia Zakharova

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Victoria Mboko comes in on the back of a stunning 6-2, 6-0 dismantling of Blinkova, firing 32 winners and converting six of seven break points. The 19-year-old Canadian, now ranked world No. 9, has eight wins from her last nine WTA 1000 matches and has already reached finals in both Adelaide and Doha this season.

Zakharova is no pushover, she upset 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya in three sets  to get here and has a solid 13-8 hard court record in 2026. But Mboko is simply playing some of the best tennis of any player on tour right now, and Zakharova stepping up to face her off that kind of form is an enormous ask. Mboko’s power and consistency should see her through without too much trouble.

Prediction: Mboko in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images