It promises to be a superb opening day at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. There are 16 WTA singles matches on the schedule, including 2022 WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia’s opening round. As always, we at LWOT predict all the women’s action in our articles, including Petra Kvitova vs Varvara Gracheva, Victoria Azarenka vs Clervie Ngounoue, and Naomi Osaka vs Camila Osorio.
WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Robin Montgomery vs Jule Niemeier
Head-to-head: Montgomery 1-0 Niemeier
Both players have aggressive but erratic styles. 20-year-old Montgomery has a long career ahead to stamp out those inconsistencies, but might be rusty since she has not played since the Australian Open qualifiers. However, the American beat Niemeier to reach her maiden WTA quarterfinal in ‘s-Hertogenbosch last year and usually thrives most against other aggressive players. That might give her a narrow edge on home soil in Indian Wells.
Prediction: Montgomery in 2
Ann Li vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Head-to-head: Li 1-1 Begu
34-year-old Begu has yet to win a main draw match this season and is nowhere near her prime anymore. By contrast, 24-year-old Li is improving quickly, as proven by her run to the Singapore Open final and two wins against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens since the start of the season. I expect Li’s powerful forehand and athleticism to take her into the next round.
Prediction: Li in 2
Mayar Sherif vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: Sherif 1-1 Wang
This is a good draw for Wang, who is most comfortable on hard courts. Sherif, a clay court specialist, has not won a match since the 2025 season began. The surface change for this year’s tournament could further harm her chances. How slow and high-bouncing the courts were in previous years would have given Sherif a better chance since the conditions were not too dissimilar to many clay courts.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Bernarda Pera
Head-to-head: Pera 3-0 Garcia
Pera has proven to be a bogey player for Garcia. Although the Frenchwoman possesses much more natural talent and firepower, Pera’s gritty defensive skills have pressurized Garcia into making several unforced errors in their matches. A fourth consecutive win for Pera is certainly possible, but the surface change in this matchup might also harm the American. Some players have said the new surface bounces lower than previous years, which helps Garcia more.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
