The first combined Masters 1000 event of 2024 gets underway in Indian Wells. There is a superb draw for the women’s singles, despite five WTA players withdrawing from the Indian Wells Masters. 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins’ match is one of four predicted in this article on a busy opening day at the tournament. Which players do you think will advance?
WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Tatjana Maria vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: Maria 1-0 Rus
Maria lost a close match last week in the second round in San Diego to Daria Saville. The veteran German has regularly won her first-round contests this season but then not been able to go any further. Rus hits the ball cleanly and is dangerous at her best. However, the Dutchwoman’s game does not suit Maria’s very crafty playing style. Rus prefers a consistent speed and spin in the rallies, and Maria will not give her that in this Indian Wells opener.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Magda Linette vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-head: Linette 1-0 Townsend
There is a nice clash of styles for fans to enjoy in this match. Townsend’s game is based on power and aggression, while last year’s Australian Open semifinalist Linette relies more on consistency and athleticism. Townsend showed in her third-round run at the US Open last year that she can get inspired in front of home crowds, but the conditions in Indian Wells are usually quite slow. I think this could swing things in Linette’s favour. She is more likely to outlast her American opponent in these conditions.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: First meeting
Teenage sensation Andreeva has only played one match since her run to the fourth round at the Australian Open. That was a loss in Dubai to Peyton Stearns. She may be lacking match practice, but Andreeva is still likely to win this. Volynets came close to beating Danielle Collins in Austin last week, and the Californian will receive a lot of support in Indian Wells. But Collins was struggling with a back injury in that match, and she still went on to win the third set 6-0 against Volynets after winning a second-set tiebreak. Andreeva should triumph in straight sets against an opponent whose game does not have much firepower.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Danielle Collins vs Erika Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
As mentioned previously, Collins had a back problem in Austin, which led to her retiring from her next match after beating Volynets. Collins has started the season very well and will hope it is just a minor injury concern. If she is fully fit, Collins is likely to overpower Andreeva, who is a player that prefers time on her shots. A Collins victory would set up the very exciting prospect of a match with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, whom Collins nearly beat at the 2024 Australian Open.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
