Indian Wells is back in full swing with another day packed with first-round WTA matches. Several Americans are playing, including veteran Madison Brengle and young talent Peyton Stearns. 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu takes the court in her first match since the Australian Open after an injury layoff. Every one of the day’s matches are previewed at Last Word on Tennis. The rest are split between three separate articles. One features Danielle Collins vs Tamara Korpatsch, the second headlines Marketa Vondrousova vs Rebecca Marino, and the third features Sloane Stephens vs Sofia Kenin.
WTA Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Madison Brengle vs Laura Siegemund
Head-to-head: 3-1 Siegemund
These two players are pretty similar with long, respectable careers but have fallen in form lately. Siegemund had a strong showing at the Australian Open but has struggled outside of that. This is her second tournament in a row qualifying for so she is in a bit of a groove, but has struggled in most of her main draw matches. Brengle has had a couple of decent wins this year but has also struggled overall and not won as many matches as she would have liked. The matchup is beneficial to the American who favors hard court, while Siegemund tends to play her best on clay. Brengle is a bit more suited for the matchup, and as they are similarly sized Siegemund cannot overpower Brengle. Brengle will win a close battle.
Prediction: Brengle in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: 1-1
Both their former matches were at the ITF-level, so playing a main draw match is a testament to each of their successes. Maria has played well this year in ITF events, but is just 2-5 at Tour-level. Paolini has established herself as a stronger hard court player and is hoping to build off a strong third round appearance in Lyon and qualified for the last premier event in Dubai. Paolini relies on a physical game where she extends points and plays behind the baseline, so cooler weather in Indian Wells will help her maximize her physicality. Paolini has been playing at a higher level of late and will be able to fight past Maria.
Predictions: Paolini in 3
Rebeka Masarova vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match is a great opportunity for both players hoping to prove themselves at a big event. Masarova has had a good year and cruised through qualifying without dropping a set. Stearns was awarded a wild card and will be hoping to continue a hot streak after a surprise quarterfinal in Austin last week. Masarova has had an excellent year after starting strong with a final in Aukland and continuing to play well compiling a 15-5 record on the season. Stearns has won a lot of matches as well but has spent most of the year on the ITF level. Masarova has proven herself against stronger competition, and though Stearns has a home country advantage, Masarova’s power will be too much for her to handle and the Spaniard will take the win.
Prediction: Masarova in 2
Danka Kovinic vs Emma Raducanu
Head-to-head: 1-0 Kovinic
Raducanu is a bit of a question mark for this match after pulling out of the warm-up exhibition Eisenhower Cup with an injury. She has been out since the Australian Open so even if she does play there will be concerns of both fitness and rust. Kovinic has had an up-and-down season with three first round losses but a semifinal and quarterfinal appearance in her two other events. She beat Raducanu last year at the Australian Open in a close battle but showed her advantages in the matchup. She is a defensive-minded player who can extend points and force an error-prone Raducanu to make mistakes. Raducanu is just 2-2 on the year and combined with her fitness concerns, this match should certainly swing toward Kovinic’s direction.
Prediction: Kovinic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
