Leylah Fernandez vs Jessica Pegula Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Miami

Prediction published on 21/03/2026, 21:54  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 22/03/2026 at 13:20 in Tennis Predictions

Fifth seed Jessica Pegula continues with her quest for a first Miami Open title and will take on 26th seed Leylah Fernandez in the third round. This will be their second matchup of three past duels in Miami. Below is our prediction of the match.

Pegula recorded her best-ever finish in Miami last season as she finished as a runner-up. The American is defending 650 points and will be looking to go one better in her return and continue with a strong 2026 campaign.

She has been one of the top performers this season and, through 20 matches so far, has won 17 times. Currently in sixth spot in the live ranking, Pegula, who defeated Francesca Jones in the last round, has made it to at least the quarter-finals of all four events she has contested.

This year’s Dubai champion, Pegula, recorded her first win over Fernandez in Miami two seasons ago.

Leylah Fernandez is having a torrid season and will be looking for a big win to spark her campaign. The Canadian has won just three of the 10 matches she has contested.

She arrived in Miami having lost back-to-back fixtures and looked troubled in her opening round tie. Fernandez, who defeated Pegula the last time they met, at last season’s event in Washington, needed a third set to defeat Oksana Selekhmeteva.

The 23-year-old will attempt to move past the third round for the first time in Miami after jumping up to 24th in the live ranking on account of her second-round victory.