Coco Gauff Advances to Miami Open Fourth Round With Comeback Victory

MIAMI, Fla.—Coco Gauff’s pursuit of her first Miami Open title remains alive after a thrilling comeback win against fellow American Alycia Parks, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1, on March 22, 2026. The fourth seed faced a tough challenge, battling both her opponent and the nerves of playing at home.

Gauff, who had recently dealt with a nerve-related forearm issue that forced her to retire at Indian Wells, showed resilience by bouncing back from a set down. "It was really difficult," Gauff said after the match. "She was playing really well and she's one of those people who's hit or miss sometimes. So, you're stuck on the fine line of being aggressive but also maybe just making her play." Gauff's adjustments paid off, allowing her to dominate the second and third sets.

The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, marked the second professional meeting between the two friends, who both hail from Atlanta but have strong ties to South Florida—Parks from Port St. Lucie and Gauff from Delray Beach. They met at a young age, growing up together within the same tennis circles. This familiarity added a layer of complexity to their match, with Gauff acknowledging the challenge of putting friendship aside to compete. "It’s definitely funny… You have to win because you’re playing against each other," she said, laughing. "But then you turn back on your competitive mode and you’re like, Okay I gotta win."

Parks, currently ranked No. 105, started strong, breaking Gauff's serve twice to claim the first set. But Gauff flipped the script, winning nine consecutive games to take control. She saved 14 of 16 break-point chances throughout the match, including all 10 she faced during the final two sets. Parks, who had been training with Serena Williams three times a week, struggled to maintain her momentum after the first set.

Gauff’s victory secured her a spot into the fourth round for the fourth time and continued her impressive run at the WTA level after losing the first set. Since the start of the 2025 season, she has recorded 11 wins after dropping the opening set, tying her with Madison Keys and Anastasia Potapova. Only Jessica Pegula has more wins from a set down during that span.

Next, Gauff will face Romania's Sorana Cirstea, who advanced by defeating the 21st seed Elise Mertens, 6-3, 6-2. The matchup is particularly interesting; Gauff and Cirstea previously met at the 2020 Australian Open, where Gauff edged out a three-set victory. Gauff is eager to break through to her first quarterfinal at this prestigious event, stating that she aims to build confidence leading into her title defense at Roland Garros.

Gauff’s performance against Parks showcased her ability to adapt under pressure, a skill that will be tested again against Cirstea. The Miami Open has been a challenging tournament for Gauff, who has yet to advance past the Round of 16 at her home event. With her sights set on the title, she remains focused on improving her game and maintaining her aggressive style.

Meanwhile, Parks will look to regroup after her strong start to the season, where she aimed to break back into the top 100. Her training alongside Williams has elevated her game, but consistency remains key. "I think I got too stuck on the other end of it," Gauff noted, emphasizing the fine line between aggression and control that players must navigate.

Gauff’s victory was a notable highlight of a day that saw minimal upsets across the tournament. The Miami Open continues to attract top talent, and Gauff’s determination to capture her first title here adds to the event's excitement. With the crowd behind her, the Delray Beach native is poised to make a deep run.

Fans can expect an intense battle when Gauff and Cirstea meet, with both players eager to advance. Gauff’s aggressive style and adaptability will be on full display, and if she can maintain her momentum, she could very well secure a spot among the tournament’s elite.

With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, Gauff’s next match will be a true test of her skills and resolve. Will she finally break through to the quarterfinals at the Miami Open? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Coco Gauff is ready to fight for her dreams.