Day 1 of the WTA BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells will feature 16 women’s Round 1 matches. As always, we at LWOT are here to share our thoughts on the matches with you. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Clara Burel vs Anhelina Kalinina
Burel is full of talent and a potential future star, but she has been in very poor form recently. Anhelina Kalinina both has a lower ceiling and has also been in poor form recently, but the Ukrainian has been in slightly less-awful form. Maybe that’s enough?
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Anna Bondar vs Petra Martic
Don’t be fooled by Bondar’s recent run to the Lyon quarterfinals. She got there with a weak opening opponent and a retirement by her next opponent. Martic is, of course, nowhere near her 2019 form––when she was competing among the elite in the game. Still, the Croatian should not have too much trouble here.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Katie Volynets vs Arantxa Rus
Volynets is capable of impressive feats at times, but those times are few and far between, and impossible to expect. Rus, meanwhile, doesn’t have her best performances very often. But even a pedestrian performance from Rus should be enough to beat Volynets on most nights. And if this isn’t most nights, we should be treated to a very entertaining match.
Prediction: Rus in 2
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Hailey Baptiste
Hailey Baptiste has real potential, which she shows from time to time. Those times aren’t consistent yet, though they’re getting more common. She has the talent and game to upset Tomljanovic here. The Australian isn’t in her best form, either. Don’t count on it, but don’t be surprised to see an upset here, either.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
