There is an outstanding WTA schedule for day 4 at the Miami Open. This includes US Open champion Coco Gauff’s opening match, one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT predict all the WTA matches on the fourth day in Miami, including Iga Swiatek vs. Camila Giorgi. Which players do you think will advance?
WTA Miami Day 4 Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 2-2 Vekic
These two played one of the most dramatic matches of the season last month in the Linz Open semifinal. Alexandrova edged it 5-7 7-6 7-6, with the final-set tiebreak ending 8-6. The Russian was a semifinalist in Miami in 2022, showing she can handle the conditions. But I think Vekic will overcome her in another tight match. The Croat has been winning matches more consistently than Alexandrova since Linz, and when she has lost, it has usually been due to very strong performances from her opponents. On an outdoor hard court (Linz was indoors), I think Vekic can get Alexandrova on the move and make her uncomfortable enough to win.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Emiliana Arango
Head-to-head: Fernandez 1-0 Arango
Qualifier Arango was very impressive in her first-round victory against veteran Tatjana Maria. She dealt with the German’s unique playing style very well. Former US Open runner-up Fernandez presents a very different challenge. World No. 123 Arango will need to overcome Fernandez’s athleticism and shots hit with more topspin, in contrast to Maria’s consistent use of the slice off both wings. It has been a mixed season for Fernandez so far, but I expect her to be too good for Arango on a hard court. Despite that win against Maria, Arango is still more suited to clay.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jabeur is struggling right now. Her latest setback was an error-strewn performance in her opening round in Indian Wells against Katie Volynets. There is certainly a chance for Avanesyan. She played well to beat Erika Andreeva in the last round and has enjoyed a solid start to the season overall, including a third-round appearance at the Australian Open. Jabeur’s playing style is a suitable one to stifle Avanesyan if she can find her best level regularly enough. I will back the Tunisian to battle through in two competitive sets, but there is nothing certain right now when it comes to Jabeur.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Coco Gauff vs Nadia Podoroska
Head-to-head: First meeting
There are positives and negatives for Gauff so far this season. The bad news is she has not been at her best since the start of the Australian Open, but the positive is she still reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and Indian Wells despite not being near her highest level. It shows her ability to dig in, and more big prizes should be around the corner when she hits her stride again. Gauff is unlikely to need her best tennis to beat Podoroska. The Argentine has improved on hard courts. However, she is still most comfortable on clay and does not possess weapons to hurt Gauff.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
More must-reads: