Coco Gauff’s first match at the WTA 1000 in Miami will occur on Friday. Last year’s French Open champion faces an interesting challenge against the talented Elisabetta Cocciaretto. That is one of several contests on a very busy day of WTA tennis in Miami. We here at LWOT predict all the action, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Ann Li, Elena Rybakina vs Yulia Putintseva, Amanda Anisimova vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Jessica Pegula vs Francesca Jones, Madison Keys vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse, and Naomi Osaka vs Talia Gibson, in our articles.
WTA Miami Day 4 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Tereza Valentova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Valentova performed impressively in a 6-2 6-4 victory against Katie Volynets. However, her opponent’s defensive style, based around extending the rallies, will not be much use here, since Shnaider can strike the ball much harder. The Czech’s talent means an upset is possible, but I slightly favor Shnaider’s more complete game to prevail.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Clara Tauson vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-0 Boulter
Do not expect many lengthy rallies in a matchup between two women who hit the ball hard but are not outstanding movers. Although Tauson is higher-ranked and has performed quite well recently, I think Boulter will win. The Briton’s impressive grass-court record shows she is comfortable redirecting pace, while Tauson usually prefers to have time on her shots.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Peyton Stearns vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: First meeting
This pair possesses similar styles of trying to dominate with their heavy topspin forehands. When Stearns is playing well, she has slightly more power with her forehand, especially on a hard court. Cristian played well at her last two tournaments in Dubai and Indian Wells, which must have given her some confidence, but Stearns is still backed to edge this.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
Coco Gauff vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-head: Gauff 3-1 Cocciaretto
Cocciaretto comprehensively beat Gauff at last month’s event in Doha. Although a source of encouragement for Cocciaretto ahead of their latest meeting, the World No. 4 was absolutely awful when they last played. Another performance like that from her is unlikely. Gauff must also feel she can manage the arm issue that forced her to withdraw mid-tournament in Indian Wells by appearing at the event, and I expect her to start well after that short break away from the court.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
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