The WTA Miami Open action continues with a superb schedule for day 6. This includes Naomi Osaka’s match with Caroline Garcia. That contest is one of four predicted in this article. We at LWOT predict the other WTA Miami in a separate article, including Iga Swiatek vs Linda Noskova. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Miami Day 6 Predictions
Emma Navarro vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: Navarro 2-0 Paolini
Dubai champion Paolini had to be patient and hold her nerve against Katie Volynets, who plays gritty and determined tennis, in the opening round. Navarro’s style is quite similar, although she does possess more firepower overall than Volynets. The American defeated Paolini in Doha last month, which was Paolini’s last loss before her memorable run in Dubai. This is likely to be close. Expect many terrific rallies between two of the best athletes on the WTA Tour, but Navarro has a slight advantage. The conditions in Miami give her a chance to soak up the pace from Paolini’s forehand in particular, which could make the difference.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 2-1 Cirstea
Cirstea thrashed Sloane Stephens in her third match of 2024 with the American in the last round. However, Cirstea won just two games when she played WTA Elite Trophy semifinalist Kasatkina in Abu Dhabi last month. Most of this was due to poor performance from Cirstea, whose level fluctuates a lot. However, at her best, Kasatkina is not a great matchup for the Romanian. She is one of the best athletes in tennis and can nullify Cirstea’s powerful game with her consistency. It should be closer than their last meeting, but Kasatkina is still likely to prevail.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Coco Gauff vs Oceane Dodin
Head-to-head: First meeting
US Open champion Gauff had a tough semifinal defeat last week in Indian Wells to Guadalajara champion Maria Sakkari. She responded in an ideal manner by dropping just three games against Nadia Podoroska in the last round in Miami. Gauff should not have too many issues against Dodin. The Frenchwoman does have a very aggressive style and can cause damage when near her best. However, she is in the main draw as a lucky loser after losing in qualifying. Despite narrowly beating Arantxa Rus to set up this meeting, her level in that match will not suffice against a player of Gauff’s caliber.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia
Head-to-head: Osaka 2-1 Garcia
This is the third meeting of 2024 between these two. Garcia triumphed at the Australian Open, while Osaka recovered from a break down in the first set to defeat the Frenchwoman in Doha. Osaka will take huge confidence from her win in the last round against Elina Svitolina, which was her best match since returning to the sport this year. This is a hard one to call. Osaka has been understandably inconsistent since her comeback, while inconsistency has plagued Garcia for over a year. Overall, the confidence from her last match and previous win against Garcia might give Osaka the edge she needs to get another victory.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
