Auger-Aliassime Advances, Gauff Shines as Miami Open Heats Up
MIAMI — The Miami Open is proving to be an exciting spectacle as two Canadian stars and a veteran Serbian player face various challenges on the court. On Friday, March 21, 2025, Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime made headlines by moving on to the third round, thanks to a decisive 6-4, 6-4 victory over Australian qualifier Tristan Schoolkate. The 24-year-old Canadian displayed impressive precision, converting 84 percent of his service points and scoring six aces throughout the match. Notably, he saved the only break point he faced while also winning all 11 of his net point opportunities. Auger-Aliassime broke Schoolkate twice on nine attempts and wrapped up the match in just one hour and 27 minutes.
Meanwhile, down on the Miami courts, second round excitement continues as American sensation Coco Gauff and Serbian star Novak Djokovic engaged in a friendly yet amusing game of pong. Gauff came out on top in their light-hearted match, although both players admitted their performance fell short of expectations. Reflecting on the season that so far has seen neither secure a major title, Djokovic emphasized this fun interaction was a pleasant break from the intensity of competition. He began the year strongly at the Australian Open but was forced to retire from his semifinal match against Carlos Alcaraz due to a muscle tear. Falling short in subsequent matches, Djokovic exited early from the Qatar Open and the BNP Paribas Open.
Gauff, meanwhile, encountered her challenges starting the season. Despite a brilliant close to 2024, she struggled at the beginning of the current year, exiting the Australian Open in the quarterfinals. After suffering embarrassing defeats in Qatar and Dubai, she managed to clinch a remarkable ‘double bagel’ victory against Sofia Kenin, winning 6-0, 6-0 in her previous match. Gauff felt at home in Miami and took a moment to appreciate her successful performance despite a given score that she described as slightly uneasy.
Off the court, both Djokovic and Gauff have been busy—Gauff unveiled her signature shoe shortly after exiting the BNP Paribas Open, while Djokovic attended the Miami Open pre-party. Looking ahead, the iconic Serbian is finally set to play his first match at the Miami Open since 2019. Gauff’s next matchup is against Maria Sakkari, who holds a 5-4 advantage in their encounters, though they are tied 2-2 in U.S. events. Will Gauff keep her impressive momentum going and secure a spot in the pre-quarterfinals?
In addition to the remarkable performances of Auger-Aliassime and Gauff, the Miami Open promises fierce competition among other top players. Action heats up as Amanda Anisimova prepares to battle Mayar Sherif, with Anisimova ranked no. 17 and holding a 9-4 win-loss record this season. She returns to Miami for the first time since 2024, eager to win her match after losing in the second round of Indian Wells earlier this month. Sherif, on the other hand, enters the match ranked no. 67 and looking to improve her dismal 1-6 record in 2025.
Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva is set to face Veronika Kudermetova later today. Ranked no. 6 with an astonishing 19-3 win-loss record this year, Andreeva is fresh off a title victory at Indian Wells. Kudermetova, who currently holds the no. 52 ranking, brings a 13-8 record into the match. Both players are looking to make their mark as well.
As for another highly-anticipated matchup, Paula Badosa is up against Victoria Mboko. Ranked no. 11 with a 10-7 record this season, Badosa aims to bounce back after her early exit in the second round of the previous year’s Miami Open. On the other hand, Mboko, ranked 162, enters the contest with a fantastic 28-1 record this year, in hopes of advancing against a seasoned opponent.
Finally, Iga Swiatek, currently ranked no. 2 in the world, will be squaring off against Caroline Garcia at noon. Swiatek, holding an 18-5 record in 2025, is looking to redeem herself after a disappointing fourth-round exit last year. With the spotlight shining brightly, can Swiatek reclaim her place in the tournament?
Overall, this year's Miami Open is not just about dazzling performances on the court; it’s about highlighting the resilience and triumphs of these tennis players as they navigate the ups and downs of professional sports. How all these stories unfold as the tournament progresses promises excitement for tennis enthusiasts everywhere.
