Day 2 down in Indian Wells features some great matches in the WTA draw. Of those, this set of picks is headline by American youngsters Amanda Anisimova and Emma Navarro. Anisimova is looking to continue her climb in the world rankings while Navarro tries to make a name for herself on the top stage. As always, we predict every match for you. We look at four in this article, while the others are split between three more articles–featuring Naomi Osaka vs Sloane Stephens, Heather Watson vs Tereza Martincova, and Katie Boulter vs Jasmine Paolini.
WTA Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Qiang Wang vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: 1-1
Qiang Wang and Marie Bouzkova will meet for the third time on tour and second time this year on day 2 at Indian Wells. Bouzkova topped Wang 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals of Guadalajara two weeks ago. The young Bouzkova is playing some quality tennis of late, holding a 12-4 record in all events this season. Qiang Wang has also seen success this season with an 8-5 record. Both players came through qualifying and should be fine with the warm conditions. If Bouzkova can stay consistent with her serve, she should be able to fight off Wang.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Magda Linette vs Andrea Petkovic
Head-to-head: Petkovic 1-0
The two European veterans will meet for just the second time on tour in Round 1 at Indian Wells. Petkovic won their only battle in straight sets in Birmingham 2016. Both these women are looking to find their groove in 2022. Linette holds a 3-5 record while Petkovic sits at 5-4. Both players do favor the hard courts, but I favor Andrea Petkovic to come out on top in this one. The former world number 9 is looking to make one last professional push at the age of 34 and will be firing and ready at big tournaments such as this one.
Prediction: Petkovic in 3
Camila Osorio vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: 1-1
The veteran Bulgarian Aliaksandra Sasnovich will take on 20-year-old Colombian phenom Camila Osorio. The two met at Indian Wells in 2021 with Sasnovich coming up with the 6-0, 6-4 win. Sasnovich is a very streaky player who can get hot and cold throughout the course of a match. Camila Osorio is in strong form having reached the final in Monterrey a week ago. It is hard to ignore their previous Indian Wells meeting, but I do favor the Columbian is who in fine form. It will be important for Sasnovich to have a hot start if she wants to see success in this match.
Prediction: Osorio in 2 sets
Amanda Anisimova vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: First meeting
The two 20-year-old Americans will battle it out in Round 1 of this year’s Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. Though they are the same age, Amanda Anisimova has accomplished much more in her young career. Anisimova us currently ranked #43 in the world whereas Emma Navarro is at her current peak of world number 200. Anisimova, who made the Round of 16 run at the 2022 Australian Open, should have no problem with her compatriot who has spent the majority of her early career at the ITF and college levels.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
