It’s time to begin main draw action at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. What should be exciting to watch on day 1? Perhaps the performances of the Czech youngsters as Linda Fruhvirtova plays Mayar Sherif and Linda Noskova takes on Irina-Camelia Begu. Who do you think will prevail at WTA Indian Wells?
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Kaia Kanepi
Head-to-head: Sasnovich 1-1 Kanepi
These two have already played in Adelaide this year with Kaia Kanepi triumphing in three sets. It should be close again with both players being habitually underrated and capable of great things on their day. On a slower court, maybe Sasnovich being simply fitter becomes one of the keys to this match.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Mayar Sherif vs Linda Fruhvirtova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mayar Sherif went 1-12 on hard courts last year, but she does seem to be doing a bit better on this surface in her 2023 campaign. Linda Fruhvirtova’s not really the type of player that can put pressure on her extreme forehand grip, but she is as solid as it gets and she’s still quite likely to get to the Egyptian that way.
Prediction: Fruhvirtova in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Katie Volynets vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: Volynets 1-1 Rogers
Katie Volynets is picking up some steam recently with the Veronika Kudermetova upset at the Australian Open and the semifinals in Austin. The youngster’s game is not that impressive though and she often needs to rely on her opponent’s errors to prevail. On a very slow court, she might give Shelby Rogers some issues.
Prediction: Rogers in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Linda Noskova vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Head-to-head: First meeting
It looks like this could be a huge season for Linda Noskova and she’s already made a massive WTA Your impact with the final in Adelaide at the beginning of the year. In the Indian Wells conditions, the Czech is likely to overhit though and maybe Irina-Camelia Begu can expose her opponent’s lack of experience and mediocre shot selection. But still, Noskova’s upside is just too strong for me to go against her here.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
