Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian Miami Prediction 3/23/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Jessica Pegula and Jaqueline Cristian will face off in the fourth round of the 2026 Miami Open on Monday, March 23. Here’s our Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian prediction. This preview will also include a Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian pick.

Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian Preview

Jessica Pegula is coming off a routine straight-sets win against 26th seed Leylah Fernandez in a match that took just 16 games to decide. Pegula played possibly her best match of the season against the Canadian lefty, wrapping up victory in 67 minutes. In the victory, Pegula hit 7 aces and 2 double faults. She landed 67% of first serves in play and won 78% of first serve points (25/32). Pegula won 63% of second serve points (10/16) and saved two break points she faced on her serve.

It’s the second match in a row that Pegula’s serve remained impregnable. She defeated Francesca Jones in her opening match (via retirement) without facing a break point. Pegula improves to 18-3 for the season and is currently third in the WTA race, which accounts for points earned in 2026. 

Jaqueline Cristian battled her way into the fourth round of the Miami Open for the first time with a thrilling three-set victory over 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. Cristian took the first set 6-3 in 40 minutes before Alexandrova recovered to level the match by winning the second set 6-4. Cristian trailed 2-4 in the deciding set, but rallied to force a tiebreak, which she won 7-5.

Cristian hit 3 aces and 2 double faults in the victory. She landed 61% of first serves in play and won 66% of first serve points (39/59). Cristian won 49% of second serve points (18/37) and saved two of six break points in the match. Before this, Cristian had beaten Peyton Stearns and improves to 11-7 for the season.

Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian Head-To-Head

Pegula defeated Cristian 6-0, 6-1 in their only meeting at the 2023 Australian Open.

Jessica Pegula vs Jaqueline Cristian Prediction

I have to side with Pegula here. It’s a no brainer. She’s been remarkably consistent this season and is up to third in the race and we can easily make a claim that she’s been the third best player this season. Cristian deserves credit for taking out two big hitters, but Pegula is operating at a very high level and serving with supreme efficiency.

Nur Said's Pick: Jessica Pegula in straight sets