Naomi Osaka returns to Indian Wells for the first time since 2022 on the second day of the WTA 1000 in California. The four-time Grand Slam champion won her first WTA 1000 title at the event back in 2018. Her match is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the WTA contests in Indian Wells, including Emma Raducanu vs Rebeka Masarova and Sofia Kenin vs Viktoriya Tomova.
WTA Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Varvara Gracheva vs Yuan Yue
Head-to-head: Gracheva 2-0 Yuan
These two players have had very contrasting recent fortunes. Yuan claimed her maiden WTA title just a few days ago in Austin, beating her compatriot Wang Xiyu in the final. Gracheva, on the other hand, has lost five consecutive matches in straight sets. Some players do have a slump after winning a title, but I think Yuan will continue her momentum here. Gracheva’s recent underwhelming level means overcoming a player who just won a title in the US feels like a mammoth task.
Prediction: Yuan in 2
Lesia Tsurenko vs Liv Hovde
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ukrainian veteran Tsurenko has played some of the best tennis of her career in the last 12 months. On paper, a first-round against the current world No. 286 Hovde seems like an ideal start. However, the the 34-year-old should not be complacent here. 18-year-old American Hovde comprehensively defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Harriet Dart in qualifying and looked very comfortable in the conditions. She also has nothing to lose and can play with freedom in front of a home crowd. Tsurenko’s experience is likely to still triumph, but I think this could be closer than many expect.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Greet Minnen
Head-to-head: First meeting
Siniakova has played some very good tennis this season, mostly notably when she defeated US Open champion Coco Gauff in Doha. The Czech has gotten quite unlucky in recent matches, running into Danielle Collins and Emma Navarro twice when each was playing at a high level. Siniakova’s complete game should have too much for Minnen in Indian Wells. The Belgian has struggled since the start of the season and Siniakova’s all-court tennis is not a good matchup for her.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Sara Errani
Head-to-head: Osaka 1-0 Errani
This is Osaka’s first tournament since reaching the quarterfinal in Doha a few weeks ago. It was a very encouraging week for the Japanese star, and her game looks like it is heading in the right direction after her comeback. Osaka should be very comfortable against Errani. The veteran Italian is now far past her prime and has not been to the final of a WTA event in over eight years. In addition, her playing style is a very bad matchup for Osaka, who thrives most when she has time to place her shots on hard courts.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
