It promises to be another great day of WTA Indian Wells action with the defending champion amongst those in action in the Californian desert. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Elena Rybakina vs Katie Boulter. But who will advance?
WTA Indian Wells Day 5 Predictions
Zheng Qinwen vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: Sun 1-0 Zheng
Lulu Sun defeated Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the opening round of her run to last year’s Wimbledon quarterfinals. While nothing is impossible, beating the Chinese star in Indian Wells would be even more surprising. Grass is Zheng’s weakest surface, but the slow hard courts in Indian Wells suit her playing style. Sun almost certainly needs to play a perfect match to have a chance of beating her again.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
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Karolina Muchova vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Siniakova 1-0 Muchova
Laterina Siniakova’s win against Muchova was over five years ago, meaning it is not a significant factor in this matchup. Karolina Muchova will probably be more concerned about her compatriot’s outstanding performance in beating Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-2 in the last round. The 2023 French Open runner-up possesses more firepower than Putintseva, which might prove crucial in this matchup due to the slow conditions in Indian Wells. It could be a tight battle, though.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Wang Xinyu
Head-to-head: Wang 2-0 Pegula
Wang Xinyu defeated Jessica Pegula twice last year, including at Wimbledon. The American is among the most consistent players from the baseline in the women’s game, but she does not consistently use variety, which allowed Wang to get into a rhythm. However, their previous matches were on courts with decent pace. The slower conditions in Indian Wells will give Pegula a better chance to wear down her more inconsistent opponent.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
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Iga Swiatek vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-1 Yastremska
Dayana Yastremska has a very aggressive style of play. Iga Swiatek’s most significant weakness is being rushed from the baseline against powerful hitters. Unfortunately for the Ukrainian, the slow conditions will make it challenging for her to do that. Swiatek should also be helped if it is still windy on Day 5 since she is more adept at controlling her shots than Yastremska with the amount of spin she uses.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main photo credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
