Miami Open 2026: Gauff Defends Sabalenka Amid Scheduling Chaos as Rising Stars Eala and Fonseca Take Center Stage

Coco Gauff defends Aryna Sabalenka after "ridiculous" Dubai comments, while Miami Open schedule pivots to rising stars Alex Eala and Joao Fonseca.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Rain Delays Clear Path for "Stadium Treatment" of New Talents

After a total washout on Wednesday, the Miami Open organizers have adjusted the schedule to highlight the next generation of tennis. Alex Eala, the Filipino rising star and 31st seed, is set to open play on the main Stadium court against veteran Laura Siegemund. Following her, Brazilian standout Joao Fonseca will make his Stadium debut against Fabian Marozsan. Fonseca, who showed impressive form in Indian Wells, could secure a high-profile second-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz if he advances. The heavy scheduling also features icons Venus Williams and Iga Swiatek as they look to make up for lost time.

Coco Gauff Sides with Sabalenka in Ranking Point Dispute

World No. 4 Coco Gauff has stepped into the brewing tension between Aryna Sabalenka and Dubai Championships tournament director Salah Tahlak. Earlier this week, Sabalenka labeled Tahlak’s suggestion—that she and Swiatek should be docked ranking points for withdrawing from the Dubai event—as "ridiculous." Gauff expressed full solidarity with the Belarusian, stating she "completely understands" the frustration. This rare public backing between top rivals underscores a growing player sentiment regarding tournament expectations and ranking penalties.

The "Medvedev Resurgence": Ranked Behind the "New 2"

Tennis analysts, including former pro Sam Querrey, have identified Daniil Medvedev as the definitive "number three" player in the world right now. Despite a rocky 2025, Medvedev has enjoyed a stellar start to 2026, claiming titles in Brisbane and Dubai. His recent performance at Indian Wells, where he handed Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the season before falling to Jannik Sinner in a tight final, has solidified his status. Querrey noted that Medvedev is currently the most consistent threat to the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly, placing him ahead of veterans like Novak Djokovic in current power rankings.