A blockbuster semifinal line-up is set on the women’s side of the 2022 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Iga Swiatek faces Simona Halep, whilst Paula Badosa continues her title defence against Maria Sakkari. Before that, the last couple of men’s quarterfinals take place. Here’s a look at our Indian Wells Best Bets for March 18th.
Indian Wells Best Bets March 18
(20) Taylor Fritz vs. Miomir Kecmanovic
Miomir Kecmanovic has been one of the most successful players on tour in 2022, but still manages to fly under the radar. Kecmanovic started the season with a run to the fourth round at the Australian Open, and is now into his third consecutive quarterfinal, the biggest of his career. Kecmanovic is locked in after some extremely tough victories this tournament and looks like a slight value play against Fritz given the American’s unconvincing last couple of matches.
Fritz required a final set tiebreaker to get the better of Jaume Munar and Alex De Minaur in the previous few rounds, he certainly isn’t at his best. A similar level from Fritz will leave him vulnerable in this matchup. Kecmanovic can match Fritz from the back of the court, that gives him a good chance on a surface where big, flat serving isn’t as effective as most other hard courts.
Recommended Selections:
Miomir Kecmanovic ML – 0.5 units @ +145
(3) Iga Swiatek vs. (24) Simona Halep
Swiatek is arguably the form player on tour right now, it’s tough to pick against her with much confidence. However, I believe Halep’s chances are high enough for me to say there’s some value there. Halep has always been very successful at this event, a former champion and is playing some great tennis of her own this week. Halep is one of the most successful players of the last decade for a reason, she knows how to win big matches against tough opposition.
Recommended Selections:
Simona Halep ML – 0.5 units @ +158
(5) Paula Badosa vs. (6) Maria Sakkari
Badosa is two wins away from successfully defending her title in Indian Wells, I wouldn’t bet against her. The Spaniard hasn’t put a foot wrong this, she looks extremely difficult to defeat in these positions, there isn’t a weakness in her game. Sakkari is also yet to drop a set but hasn’t played anyone close to Badosa’s level. I expected Badosa to be a strong favourite, I’d rate her a strong favourite.
Their level is similar and they have similar playing styles, but Badosa does most things a little better. Importantly it is Badosa who has the mental edge, she knows what it takes to win a big tournament, Sakkari does not. Badosa also won the only previous meeting between the pair at the WTA Finals last year. Sakkari is notorious for losing at the later stages of big tournaments, usually in the semifinals. It would take something extraordinary for that trend to be reversed, I don’t see it happening.
Recommended Selections:
Paula Badosa ML – 2.5 units @ -122
Recommended selections are based on a 5 unit betting system where 1 unit is a minimum stake, and 5 units is the maximum stake.
This article is intended for entertainment purposes only. LWOS makes no guarantees that the picks will win. Only gamble where it is legal to do so, and only amounts you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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