On day 5 at WTA Indian Wells, the action continues to come thick and fast. Former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki is hoping to continue her run against American wildcard Katie Volynets. That contest is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT also predict the outcomes of all the other matches taking place in Indian Wells. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Indian Wells Day 5 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head-to-head: Pavlyuchenkova 2-0 Haddad Maia
WTA Elite Trophy winner Haddad Maia is the higher-ranked of these players. However, this is a tough test for her. Pavlyuchenkova defeated the Brazilian on hard courts last October and in January in Adelaide. The Russian also reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal in 14 years in Doha a few weeks ago. Yet, I think Haddad Maia will get revenge on this occasion. The courts in Indian Wells are slower than their previous two meetings. That should allow the more athletic and physically strong Haddad Maia to extend the rallies effectively if she is on her game.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Vondrousova 1-0 Kostyuk
This is an interesting matchup. Kostyuk reached the final in San Diego last week, where she was overwhelmed by Katie Boulter’s power. Last year’s Wimbledon champion, Vondrousova, had a completely different challenge. She will employ her crafty style. The courts suit her forehand hit with a lot of topspin, although they are not as suitable for her trademark drop shot. I think the slow and high-bouncing Indian Wells courts favour Vondrousova enough for her to blunt Kostyuk’s groundstrokes and claim victory.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Editor’s Note: After this article was published Vondrousova withdrew from the tournament.
Yulia Putinsteva vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Keys 2-1 Putinsteva
Keys played her first match of the season in the previous round after returning from injury. Last year’s US Open semifinalist had to triumph the hard way. She saved two match points in her narrow win against Hailey Baptiste. Although that could give her some momentum, Keys could be in trouble here. It can be tough for players to quickly recover after playing a very long match in their first outing back. If Putinsteva is smart and tries to get Keys on the move in the relatively slow Indian Wells conditions, she has a good chance of progressing.
Prediction: Putinsteva in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: First meeting
Volynets has been the biggest surprise at the event so far. The world No. 131 knocked out Mirra Andreeva and Ons Jabeur in the previous two rounds. This will be a different test for the Californian in front of her local fans. Unlike her previous two opponents, Wozniacki will not be panicked by Volynets’ gritty style, with many long rallies guaranteed in this match. Yet, I think Volynets could cause another shock. Wozniacki is still early into her comeback, and Volynets could have a slight physical edge in Indian Wells if the match goes the distance.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
