Martina Navratilova predicts how both Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will perform at the Miami Open this week
Martina Navratilova Weighs In on Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula’s Miami Open Prospects
With the Miami Open set to begin, Martina Navratilova has shared her thoughts on how Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula might fare in the tournament. Coming off a quick turnaround from Indian Wells, where Mirra Andreeva claimed the title, the focus now shifts to Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, where fans will watch some of the best players in action.
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, resides in Miami and is eager to see who will rise to the occasion. She believes the tournament presents a new challenge, given the faster courts and different playing conditions.
Navratilova on Gauff and Pegula’s Chances
Speaking to the WTA website, Navratilova highlighted the need for adaptation:
“Miami will be a fresh test—faster courts, different conditions, and a quick turnaround. How players respond—physically, emotionally, and tactically—will be a key storyline to watch.”
She expects Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff to be in contention as they adjust to the pace but pointed out that Pegula needs to elevate her game against top-tier opponents:
“The conditions in Miami suit Pegula’s game better, so this could be a great chance for her to reset and make another deep run. Ultimately, it will come down to who is feeling the freshest and most comfortable on these courts.”
Opening Matches for Gauff & Pegula
As the third seed, Gauff is set to face a tough test in her opening match against either Petra Kvitova or Sofia Kenin, both former Grand Slam champions. The 2023 US Open winner has played Kvitova once, winning their 2023 Qatar Open clash, and holds a 2-2 record against Kenin.
Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Pegula will take on either Bernarda Pera or Ajla Tomljanović, the latter of whom she recently defeated in the ATX Open semi-finals on March 1.
With home-court advantage in Florida, both Gauff and Pegula will be looking to make a deep run, but as Navratilova notes, it will all come down to who adapts best to the conditions.
