Petra Kvitova missed the entire 2024 season before returning to action last week in Austin. A three-time quarterfinalist at the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells (2013, 2016, 2023), the former World No. 2 will seek her first win in over a year against Varvara Gracheva on Day 1 of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open. We also predict every other match on the slate, including Caroline Garcia vs Bernarda Pera, Victoria Azarenka vs Clervie Ngounoue, and Naomi Osaka vs Camila Osorio. Who do you think will prevail?
WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Renata Zarazua vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-head: Cocciaretto 2-1
It feels like Elisebetta Cocciretto has lost some relevance recently, picking up win(s) in just one of five events she’s played this year. The Italian was also blown off the court by Magda Linette in Merida and she usally performs very well in that region of the world. While Renata Zarazua doesn’t have anything special in her game, she’s simply looking more solid right now. Cocciaretto will need to find her determination very quickly to prevail here.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
Rebecca Sramkova vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: Sramkova 1-0
Lulu Sun has been so unimpressive since her Wimbledon quarterfinal run, especially in 2025. The 23-year-old is 1-8 for the season and hasn’t even taken a set in her last four losses. On the other hand, Rebecca Sramkova is taking advantage of her new opportunities on the WTA Tour and has just crushed Sun 6-3 6-1 in Merida. Tennis doesn’t always work like this, but here it feels like the gap between them shouldn’t just evaporate in a little over a week.
Prediction: Sramkova in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite losing in the second round, Peyton Stearns was one of the stories of Indian Wells last year with an unbelievable thriller against Aryna Sabalenka. The new courts this year will make who did well in the previous seasons a lot less relevant, but the American remains a considerable threat to most players in the draw. She’s never faced Magda Linette before and while the matchup seems relatively even on paper, the Pole retired in Merida last week and has a fitness question mark coming into this one as well.
Prediction: Stears in 3
Petra Kvitova vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Kvitova 1-0
Petra Kvitova had been out since October 2023 before coming back in Austin and losing to Jodie Anna Burrage last week. This part of the Czech’s career likely won’t add that much to her resume and her time is limited at 34. But that sort of natural talent will always be a good watch and hopefully she can deliver some moments of magic. It’s tough to say if she’s ready to beat someone like Varvara Gracheva. But it’s not like her opponent is firing on all cylinders and maybe she can grab that vintage win here.
Prediction: Kvitova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
