Sunday marks the continuation of the WTA Miami Round of 32, with several exciting matchups on the schedule. This article offers predictions for the encounters involving Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Madison Keys, and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Other significant matches, such as Aryna Sabalenka vs. Caty McNally, are discussed in a different analysis.
WTA Miami Day 6 Match Forecasts
Ekaterina Alexandrova versus Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 1, Cristian 1
Jaqueline Cristian possesses a tenacious playing style that could potentially challenge Ekaterina Alexandrova’s aggressive game. Nevertheless, Cristian’s defensive prowess typically shines brightest on clay courts. On a hard court, maintaining rally consistency against a potent adversary like Alexandrova will likely be a significant hurdle, possibly dictating the match’s outcome.
Forecast: Alexandrova in straight sets.
Elena Rybakina versus Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Rybakina 4, Kostyuk 1
Marta Kostyuk frequently encounters difficulties when facing higher-ranked players who hit with greater force. The Ukrainian player doesn’t inherently excel at leveraging the power of her opponents who consistently deliver strong baseline shots. Given Elena Rybakina’s current form and high caliber, a surprising upset appears highly improbable.
Forecast: Rybakina in straight sets.
Madison Keys versus Qinwen Zheng
Head-to-head: Keys 1, Zheng 0
Qinwen Zheng secured a straightforward win over Sloane Stephens in the preceding round. While commendable, Stephens, a former US Open winner, is no longer performing at her peak. Madison Keys will offer a more accurate gauge of Zheng’s current form following her recovery from a serious injury. Zheng’s inherent talent allows her to contend with top players when at her best, but her inconsistent results since returning from injury lead me to believe she might not yet be prepared to overcome an opponent of Keys’ caliber.
Forecast: Keys in three sets.
Jessica Pegula versus Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Pegula 2, Fernandez 1
The two most recent encounters between these players have been tightly contested. Pegula emerged victorious in a deciding set tiebreak at the Cincinnati Open, while Fernandez later claimed a 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 win in Washington. Despite their history of close matches, the previous year’s finalist, Pegula, is expected to secure a more decisive victory on this occasion. The prevailing conditions are ideal for her playing style, and Fernandez’s performance in early 2026 has largely been unconvincing.
Forecast: Pegula in straight sets.