Coco Gauff Overcomes Alycia Parks to Advance at Miami Open

MIAMI, Fla.—Coco Gauff’s pursuit of her first Miami Open title remains alive after a thrilling comeback victory over fellow American Alycia Parks, winning 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 on March 22, 2026. This match marked a key moment for the fourth seed, who had been battling physical challenges, including a nerve-related issue with her forearm that forced her to retire at Indian Wells earlier this month.

Gauff, who hails from Delray Beach, faced off against Parks, a 25-year-old from Port St. Lucie, at the Hard Rock Stadium. Both players share a rich history, having grown up together playing tennis since they were children. This was their second professional meeting, with Gauff previously winning their first encounter at the 2024 Australian Open, 6-0, 6-2.

"It’s definitely funny… You have to win because you’re playing against each other," Gauff said after the match. "But then you turn back on your competitive mode and you’re like, Okay I gotta win." The friendly rivalry added a layer of complexity to the match, but Gauff’s determination shone through.

The match started with Parks applying pressure early on, breaking Gauff’s serve twice to take the first set 6-3. Gauff acknowledged the challenge, stating, "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." After a rocky start, Gauff regrouped and shifted her strategy, dialing up her aggression to dominate the next two sets.

Gauff saved 14 of the 16 break points she faced throughout the match, including all 10 during the final two sets. This resilience was evident when she denied three break points early on, setting the tone for her comeback. The turning point came when Gauff won nine consecutive games, turning a 0-2 deficit into a commanding lead.

"I made some adjustments on the return, and I think that made a difference," Gauff explained. Her ability to adapt was key, and it allowed her to take control of the match, eventually closing it out after 1 hour and 50 minutes of play.

With this victory, Gauff secured her place for the fourth time into the Miami Open’s Round of 16. She is now set to face Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, who defeated 21st seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-2 earlier that day. Gauff has yet to advance past this stage at her home tournament, and the pressure is on for her to make a deep run this year.

Gauff's determination to claim her first Miami Open title is palpable. "I’m just trying to build confidence heading into Roland Garros," she shared, hinting at her ambitions for the upcoming clay season. After a shaky start to the 2026 season, where she only had four main draw wins prior to Miami, her recent performances signal a potential turnaround.

Meanwhile, Parks, currently ranked No. 105, demonstrated her potential throughout the match, particularly during the first set. Training regularly with Serena Williams, Parks has been honing her skills and aiming to break back into the top 100. "It was really difficult," Gauff remarked on Parks’ performance. "She was playing really well, and I think I got too stuck on the other end of it."

Gauff’s victory is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of her growth and adaptability on the court. With each match, she continues to prove her mettle, especially under the pressure of competing at home.

Moving forward, the matchup against Cirstea will be another test for Gauff. The two previously met at the 2020 Australian Open, where Gauff emerged victorious after a tightly contested three-set match. Cirstea, now playing her final season on tour, will undoubtedly bring her experience and skill to the court.

Gauff’s performance against Parks showcases her resilience and her ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. With the Miami Open being a key event on the WTA calendar, Gauff’s pursuit of her first title here is a narrative that captivates tennis fans and adds to the excitement of the tournament.

With her sights set on the quarterfinals, Gauff is ready to face the next challenge head-on, embodying the spirit of a competitor who refuses to back down. The upcoming match against Cirstea promises to be another thrilling chapter for Gauff, who continues to write her story on the WTA tour.