Second-round action at the WTA BNP Paribas Open features a long list of popcorn matchups. One of those pits the feisty Yulia Putintseva against the wily Katerina Siniakova. Elsewhere, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva continues her Top 10 charge in her first match since lifting the last WTA 1000 in the Middle East. Who will reach the next round in Indian Wells? We have predictions for every match.
WTA Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Robin Montgomery
Head-to-head: first meeting
Marta Kostyuk’s improvement in 2024 was noticeable. She rose as high as No. 16 in the rankings. But back-to-back defeats at the start of the new season and in her two most recent tournaments saw a sharp decline in her ranking. Kostyuk now sits at No. 24 ahead of her fifth appearance in Indian Wells. She has also lost her spot as the top-ranked Ukrainian to Elina Svitolina. Robin Montgomery was out of action for precisely two months but quickly shook off the rust in her opener against Jule Niemeier. She rallied from 3-6 2-5 down to complete a thrilling three-set win. While Montgomery rode her luck a few times in that match, she won’t have that luxury here.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Putinseva 1-1 Siniakova
Yulia Putintseva was one of the top performers last season but she was made to wait until January this year to touch the world’s Top 20 for the first time. However, her performances in the Middle East were unspectacular (only one win from three tournaments). Katerina Siniakova is one the smartest tacticians on the court which explains why she continues to balance the singles and doubles disciplines so well. Neither player is particularly predictable though and that only adds to the intrigue. Putintseva is a momentum player and a lack of wins in recent weeks could cost her.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Victoria Azarenka
Head-to-head: Azarenka 2-0 Zheng
With two months of the season gone, Qinwen Zheng’s only win so far was in the first round of the Australian Open. As she starts the first leg of the Sunshine Swing, Zheng remains in danger of dropping outside the Top 10. It’s possible that she is now feeling the ill effects of playing in a packed schedule last year. The total of 70 matches in 2024 is the most Zheng has played in a single season. Victoria Azarenka is certainly approaching the decline phase in her career, but her grit and determination can be enough to take down the WTA’s best during their off days. And right now, it feels like Zheng could be overpowered by the veteran.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: Andreeva 1-0 Gracheva
Andreeva’s Top 10 breakthrough after winning the most recent WTA 1000 in Dubai didn’t last long. But she doesn’t defend any points this swing and should easily reclaim her spot in the elite group. Still only 17, Indian Wells is one of the few places she has yet to stamp her authority. She lost in the opening round last year. Gracheva is off the mark after defeating Petra Kvitova in three sets. The Frenchwoman is a steady competitor but plays with little margin for error. That will hurt her in extended rallies. Andreeva is on fire right now and her baseline consistency will overwhelm Gracheva.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Austin American-Statesman
