Miami Day 7 previews: Zverev vs. Eubanks, Gauff vs. Garcia, Pegula vs. Navarro

Alexander Zverev vs. Christopher Eubanks

Sharing similarities in height and age, the same could be said for the match styles of these two competitors. Two things are expected to happen: holding serves and epic baseline points, so the day’s play looks to start off with a banger.

Year to date, they’ve both won 89% of their service games. While Zverev’s converted more break points, he’s also faced more on his service game than the American.

Call him “Daddy Longlegs” or “Toothpick”, but don’t mistake lanky for unathletic. Eubanks is capable of overtaking Zverev if he stays focused and patient. Although Zverev won their only meeting last year in straight sets, that took place on outdoor clay, a much harder surface for both of their game styles. If both players stay present during this matchup, even a straight-set victory will be hard earned. Winner: Zverev

Coco Gauff vs. Caroline Garcia

These two players head into this match tied 2-2, last meeting at the tail end of the 2022 season. And if you remember how incredible Garcia played that year, then you are already aware that she earned two victories in her most recent matchups with Gauff.

It’s a good thing Garcia is coming in feeling the ball well on her side as she takes on the local favorite in the round of 16. From a milestone US Open championship to being named one of TIME’s Women of the Year to having her own line with New Balance, Gauff is gaining popularity just as greatly as she’s gaining the confidence to maintain it.

The world No. 3 has one goal in mind here in Miami, and that’s to take the trophy home with her to nearby Delray Beach. Coming in with successful tournament runs and a crowd full of Americans believing in her every step of the way, Garcia is going to be facing a lot more than just Gauff’s game. Winner: Gauff

Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Navarro

Surprisingly enough, this is the first meeting between the two Americans—where Navarro’s concerned, that’s a blessing in disguise.

Navarro is slowly turning eyes in her direction as her ranking rises alongside her win count. She’s emerging as a tough-out against the top-ranked women, most notably knocking out Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells.

Pegula is going to need a powerhouse performance to get through here. Working in her favor is last year's semifinal run here in Miami. Pegula's experience on this court over the span of two weeks is greater than Navarro's, not to mention Pegula is much more comfortable on outdoor hard than any other surface.

Both players are winning two thirds of their service games and just about 40% of their return games. This is going to be a tight battle between two capable players, but one has the distinction of being the only other woman besides Iga Swiatek witn 20 wins so far this season. Winner: Navarro