First-round action continues on Day 2 of the WTA Miami Open, where rising Czech star Tereza Valentova faces American qualifier Katie Volynets. Every match in this article should have been on Day 1, but was delayed due to rain. Who will advance to the next round?
WTA Miami Day 2 Predictions
Eva Lys vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Head-to-head: Lys vs Starodubtseva
Starodubtseva successfully qualified for the main draw for the second year. Last year, she played a brilliant match against Naomi Osaka and fell short in three sets. The task of picking up her first main draw win in Miami doesn’t get any easier. Eva Lys is one of the most talented players in the sport, but the German spent several weeks out of action due to a hyper-extended knee injury. Initially, she was expected to be out for only two weeks, but she missed the entire Middle East Swing and the first leg of the Sunshine Doubt. With the court under her feet (fine form from qualifying), I think Starodubtseva has a great chance of progressing.
Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3
Elvina Kalieva vs Dalma Galfi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Kalieva has been in sensational form in 2026 and a Top 150 breakthrough looks imminent. Her qualifying run was excellent, dropping a combined 10 games in two matches. Galfi entered the main draw as an alternate. The Hungarian is on a three-match losing run. Kalieva has played her way into this tournament and looks very comfortable playing points with overpressing. Expect youth to win over experience.
Prediction: Kalieva in 2
Tereza Valentova vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: first meeting
Volynets is coming off a gritty qualifying run, which included a massive win over an in-form Bianca Andreescu. The American is 10-7 for the season with a semifinal run in Ostrava last month, undoubtedly her best run so far. Valentova will be a different challenge and while the Czech has the higher upside, her three-match skid hints at both confidence lapses and fitness issues (retired in Dubai).
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
