The WTA Indian Wells quarterfinal matches are set and we are in for a treat over the next few days. Seven of the eight remaining are current or former top 20 players. Veronika Kudermetova is the exception but the Russian is capable of that level on her day. The likes of Maria Sakkari and Iga Swiatek have put their hands up as favourites here. However, this field is too deep to count anyone out. With that in mind, we try and narrow things down and pick two of the final four in this set of WTA Indian Wells Predictions.
WTA Indian Wells Quarterfinal Predictions
Simona Halep vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: 2 – 1 Halep
These two last played in 2018, so their previous matches don’t hold much sway here. However, what does matter is form and these two have plenty of that to go around. Simona Halep struggled with injury last year which meant she never really found her best tennis. However, the Romanian has looked renewed and refreshed in 2022. She already has a title to her name this year and is showing in Indian Wells that she is still an elite force on the tour. Her straight sets win against Sorana Cirstea was emphatic and a vintage Halep performance. The slower courts at Indian wells make her court movement and counterpunching a real asset and she will need to deploy both here against a red hot Petra Martic.
The Croat has struggled mightily since reaching the top 20 at the end of 2019. However, she looks back to that level her at Indian Wells and could well be a dark horse to go all the way. Her serve remains a great weapon and her variety makes her a tricky customer. She is at her best on clay, but the slower courts in Indian Wells are a more than adequate replacement and she will looking to avenge the loss to Halep at the same stage of this tournament in 2018 come Wednesday.
Martic is a tough customer and won’t go down easy. I suspect we are in for another three set affair here. However, regardless of match length it’s hard to look past Halep here. She is in great touch and so mentally focused that it seems only a matter of time before she charges back into the top ten. A deep run here would certainly help and I suspect she makes the semifinals at least.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Iga Swiatek vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Swiatek
Swiatek beat Madison Keys comfortably in Rome last year when the young Pole was at the height of her powers. She isn’t quite at that level here though, which has caused some to raise doubts over her chances here. However, I take the opposite view. If Swiatek is finding ways to win against opponents of Angelique Kerber’s quality despite being off her game, imagine what she will do when she finds her best. For a player of her calibre it’s never long before that happens. She has more to give in Indian Wells and I think we will see it in this match. However, Keys herself is more than capable of the spectacular so this is far from a done deal.
The American has enjoyed a blistering start to 2022 and reasserted herself a top player in the women’s game. Her power is almost unplayable when she is hitting her spots. Her serve is also more than useful and she is strong off both wings. Both her and Swiatek have frightening forehands and the exchanges off that wing will be fascinating to watch. I think Swiatek must serve well here if she is to win as Keys will look to pressure her serve from the start. Off the ground the Pole is the more polished of the two and I think that may be the difference in a match where I expect both to play brilliant tennis.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
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