Numerous blockbuster matchups are set for Day 3 of the WTA Indian Wells tournament. The return of Emma Raducanu will gain the most attention as she takes on Aliaksandra Sasnovich. However, there are some entertaining matchups all around the grounds, including Su-Wei Hsieh vs Jelena Ostapenko. Let’s take a look at those matches and more.
As always, we predict every match. The day’s 16 matches are split between four articles, including this one. One features Sloane Stephens vs Jessica Pegula, the second highlights Simona Halep vs Marta Kostyuk, and the third features Leylah Fernandez vs Alize Cornet.
WTA Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Belinda Bencic vs Shelby Rogers
H2H: Bencic 3-1
Belinda Bencic has won her last three matches against Shelby Rogers and should make that four here. Bencic has been in very solid form over the last few months, highlighted by her gold medal run in Tokyo and a quarter-final appearance at the US Open. Bencic’s ability to absorb and redirect power makes her a problematic opponent for Rogers. Bencic beat Rogers 7-6 6-1 in Cincinnati a few months ago in their most recent clash. Bencic is too consistent from the back of the court for the American.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Su-Wei Hsieh vs Jelena Ostapenko
H2H: Hsieh 2-0
A huge contrast in styles–the creativity and touch of Su-Wei Hsieh against the power of Jelena Ostapenko. Hsieh has won both of the previous matches between the pair, including an easy 6-2 6-2 win at Wimbledon in 2019 in their most recent meeting. Hsieh is understandably a problematic opponent for Ostapenko. The variety of Hsieh is very unsettling and irritating for Ostapenko. However, Ostapenko could blast Hsieh off the court if she is in the zone. This will certainly be a fun match to watch. Who knows which Ostapenko shows up? Hsieh probably wins in this match-up more often than not.
Prediction: Hsieh in 3
Madison Keys vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
H2H: 2-2
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has easily been more impressive than Madison Keys in 2021. The pair have had contrasting results, Pavlyuchenkova pushing towards the top 10, Keys falling outside the top 50. Keys came through a bizarre opening round clash with Kaia Kanepi where she won the first 9 games, including a run of 21 points in a row. However, Keys also lost 15 points in a row at one stage in that match. A similarly erratic performance from Keys in this match will definitely end in a loss. Pavlyuchenkova is too solid at the moment, she looks highly likely to prevail in this contest on a relatively slow hard court.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Emma Raducanu vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
H2H: first meeting
This will be Emma Raducanu’s first match since her US Open triumph. A favourable match-up against the unspectacular Aliaksandra Sasnovich. I don’t expect Raducanu to continue her fairy tale run for too long, but she should at least be good enough to come through this match-up. Sasnovich probably doesn’t have the consistency to outlast Raducanu from the back of the court and she probably doesn’t have the power to hit through her either. This looks like an easy matchup for Raducanu. I won’t be surprised to see Raducanu crack under the pressure in her first match since New York, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt given the weak opposition.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
