Seeds come into play on Day 3 of the 2023 WTA BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. How many will survive their first tests in the event? Can Karolina Pliskova blast her way through Anna Kalinskaya? Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Wang Xiyu
Head-to-head: First meeting
This could be a breakthrough season for Anastasia Potapova, but the Russian disappointed a bit in Austin last week with her loss to Katie Volynets. Despite being a hard-hitter, the conditions at Indian Wells shouldn’t scare her as she’s pretty much an all-surface player. Xiyu Wang is still just 2-5 for the season and will need Potapova to have a bit of an off day to prevail.
Prediction: Potapova in 2
Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: First meeting
While Cristina Bucsa has been very impressive so far, taking out three opponents in straight sets, this is a huge step up. The Spaniard hits a pretty potent ball off the ground, but especially on a slower hard court Cori Gauff should have the upper hand against here. It will be fairly easy for the 18-year-old to protect her weaker forehand side and Bucsa probably doesn’t have the consistency to hit through her.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Barbora Krejcikova vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: 1-1
Barbora Krejcikova will be one of the most intriguing players going into the Sunshine Double, having won the title in Dubai with a triumphant win over Iga Swiatek. They’ve played twice before, but both on much faster courts than this. Feels like the Czech’s versatility and tennis IQ should prevail here over Yastremska, whose shot selection tends to be way too spotty.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Karolina Pliskova vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: Kalinskaya 1-0
Anna Kalinskaya needed less than an hour to dispatch Alycia Parks, but it’s not really a performance we can take much from as the American put up a horror show (as she generally does outdoors recently). Karolina Pliskova is a beatable opponent though, particularly in these slower Indian Wells conditions where Kalinskaya should have a decent shot at grinding her down.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
