Coco Gauff narrowly progressed to the round of 32 in Miami after a hard-fought victory on Day 4. She will face her hard-hitting and talented compatriot Alycia Parks next. Alexandra Eala and Belinda Bencic’s contests are also predicted in this article. We here at LWOT also predict all the other WTA action, including Amanda Anisimova vs Starodubtseva, separately. But who will advane?

WTA Miami Day 5 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Diana Shnaider

Head-to-head: Bencic 1-0 Shnaider

Both women will try to be aggressive and get the upper hand in the rallies. Bencic has always been a clean ball-striker, but the Olympic Gold Medalist’s emphasis on attack is even stronger since returning from maternity leave in the closing stages of 2024. Although Shnaider possesses decent defense, I feel she will struggle to live with Bencic over three sets. The 21-year-old’s left-handed forehand ie particularly vulnerable against Bencic’s backhand.

Prediction: Bencic in 3

Alexandra Eala vs Magda Linette

Head-to-head: Linette 2-1 Eala

Linette managed the most significant upset of the tournament so far against Iga Swiatek in the previous round. Eala recovered from losing the opening set to beat Laura Siegemund after a very lengthy battle. Despite Linette’s incredible previous win, the Filipina is narrowly favored in this matchup. Her experienced opponent’s serve will be at risk against the 20-year-old’s exceptional return if she avoids having a bad day like Swiatek. Eala can also soak up pressure and make Linette more aggressive than she is comfortable with.

Prediction: Eala in 3

Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks

Head-to-head: Gauff 1-0 Parks

Gauff showed her trademark grit and determination to battle past Elisabetta Cocciaretto despite a patchy performance. How dangerous Parks’s big-serving game can be was shown in a straight-sets success over Maria Sakkari. Nonetheless, I do not feel an upset is likely here. Gauff has a better first-serve return than any player in women’s tennis. That makes her perfectly positioned to nullify Parks’s biggest strength and progress.

Prediction: Gauff in 2

Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – Imagn Images