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 she staged a remarkable comeback against fellow American Alycia Parks, winning 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 on March 22, 2026. The fourth seed displayed resilience and skill, overcoming a challenging first set and a nerve-related forearm issue that had previously forced her to retire at Indian Wells.

Gauff, who hails from Delray Beach, faced her good friend Parks, 25, originally from Port St. Lucie, and the match was a blend of competitiveness and camaraderie. "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." This victory marks Gauff’s fourth appearance at this stage of the tournament, but she has yet to advance past the Round of 16.

The match began with Parks taking control, breaking Gauff's serve twice to claim the first set 6-3. Parks, currently ranked No. 105, was coming off a strong performance earlier this season and was eager to challenge Gauff, having trained with Serena Williams three times a week. Gauff acknowledged Parks' strong play, stating, "She was playing really well, and she’s one of those people that’s hit or miss sometimes. You’re just stuck on the fine line of being aggressive, and just making her play." Gauff struggled initially, but her determination shone through after losing the first set.

After a tense opening, Gauff shifted her strategy dramatically. She won the second set without dropping a game, demonstrating her ability to adapt under pressure. "I made some adjustments on the return, and I think that made a difference," Gauff explained, highlighting her tactical shift that allowed her to dominate the match. The young star won 12 of the next 13 games, effectively turning the tide and finishing the match strong.

Gauff's performance included saving 14 of 16 break points she faced, a remarkable statistic that underscored her resilience. Parks, meanwhile, won 49% of her service points and 40% of her return points but struggled with consistency, finishing the match with eight double faults. Gauff's ability to maintain focus and aggression was key to her victory, particularly after the first set where she seemed outmatched.

The match lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes, a test of endurance for both players. Gauff's comeback from a set down is not uncommon for her; since the start of the 2025 season, she has now recorded 11 wins after losing the first set, tying with Madison Keys and Anastasia Potapova for this achievement. The only player with more such wins during this period is Jessica Pegula, who has 13.

Next, Gauff will face Romania's Sorana Cirstea, who advanced by defeating 21st-seeded Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-2. The two players have met once before, with Gauff winning their previous encounter at the 2020 Australian Open. Cirstea, who is currently playing her final season on tour, poses a formidable challenge for Gauff, who is eager to reach her first quarterfinal at a WTA 1000 event.

Gauff's performance at the Miami Open is particularly important for her career, especially with the upcoming Roland Garros title defense on the horizon. After a shaky start to the season, Gauff has gained momentum, and her recent victories have instilled a renewed confidence. "I think the confidence is building, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here," she remarked, embodying the spirit of a player determined to make her mark.

With her sights set on the quarterfinals, Gauff's next match against Cirstea will be a defining moment. Both players have a history of competitive matches, and Gauff's ability to navigate the pressures of playing at home will be tested once again. The Miami Open continues to showcase thrilling matchups, and Gauff’s resilience and skill make her a player to watch.

Meanwhile, Parks, who has shown promise throughout the tournament, will look to regroup and continue her quest to break back into the top 100. Her training with Williams has undoubtedly elevated her game, and she remains a strong contender on the WTA Tour.

For Gauff, every match is a step closer to achieving her goals, and the Miami Open presents an opportunity to solidify her status among the elite players. With the crowd behind her and a growing sense of confidence, Gauff is poised to make a deep run at this prestigious event.

The Miami Open continues to deliver exciting tennis, and fans eagerly await the next chapter of Gauff's promising career.