The action continues at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium with Day 2 of the WTA singles first round delivering another exciting slate of matches. From a wild card fresh off her breakthrough WTA final to an 18-year-old rising star in red-hot form, these early-round clashes promise plenty of intrigue and potential upsets. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

WTA Miami Day 2 Predictions
Peyton Stearns vs Viktorija Golubic

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Stearns has been inconsistent this season, with early exits in some events, but she displayed real quality in Austin, going deep with her heavy topspin and physical endurance. Golubic has managed just 1-4 on hard courts in 2026, despite a WTA 125 final on indoor hard earlier this year. Her outdoor hard results remain unconvincing. On Miami’s faster courts, Stearns’ superior ball-striking and groundstroke power should prove decisive. She has the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Stearns in 2

Lilli Tagger vs Ella Seidel

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Tagger has been exceptional in 2026, compiling a 13-3 record that includes an ITF title and a notable Indian Wells run (upsetting Gracheva before falling to Sakkari). The 18-year-old Austrian’s one-handed backhand and shot-making variety make her a threat at tour level despite her youth. Seidel holds a 6-9 record this year and has been inconsistent, though she qualified here and notched wins over Potapova, Rakhimova, and Bucsa in Dubai. Tagger’s current confidence and form make her the favorite, though Seidel could steal a set.
Prediction: Tagger in 3

Janice Tjen vs Yulia Putintseva

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Tjen’s recent Indian Wells loss–squandering a 3-0 lead in the deciding set tiebreak–highlights her tendency to drop tight matches. She’s yet to reach a quarterfinal this season. Putintseva, by contrast, reached the Australian Open Round of 16 for the first time and has shown overall improvement. The Kazakh veteran excels in gritty, unpredictable battles, and this matchup fits that profile perfectly. Despite Tjen’s ranking edge, Putintseva’s experience in big moments should prevail.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3

Taylor Townsend vs Lulu Sun

Head-to-Head: Townsend leads 1-0

Townsend enters with strong momentum after reaching her first WTA singles final in Austin, upsetting higher-ranked players along the way. Her aggressive, net-rushing style disrupts opponents’ rhythm, and she’s shown composure in tight situations. Sun, however, has struggled on hard courts in 2026 (3-6 record) and hasn’t recaptured her 2024 breakthrough form. She qualified here but has been plagued by double faults all season. Townsend’s ability to take time away at the net and vary pace plays directly into Sun’s current weaknesses. With superior form and the head-to-head edge, Townsend should advance.
Prediction: Townsend in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports