The seeds in the bottom half of the WTA Indian Wells draw will play their first matches on Day 3. Jessica Pegula, who got the perfect preparation for the event by winning the ATX Open in Austin, is among those scheduled to play. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches here, but which players do you think will reach the next round?
WTA Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Linda Noskova vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-head: Sun 1-1 Noskova
Sun battled through a lengthy and grueling opening-round match in a deciding set tiebreak against Rebecca Sramkova. The New Zealander might welcome Noskova’s very aggressive style if she is fatigued, but beating her will be challenging no matter what. Noskova impressed in the Middle Eastern swing, and the conditions in Indian Wells should suit her. The Czech’s impressive backhand is also well suited to handling Sun’s left-handed forehand, the most important part of the Wimbledon quarterfinalist’s game.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Head-to-head: First meeting
This will be Muchova’s first match since a brutal loss to Clara Tauson in the semifinal of the Dubai Championships. She missed a golden opportunity to win her first WTA 1000 title after the draw had opened up. The 2023 French Open runner-up’s level has been much better this season than Cocciaretto’s, and playing against a player with Muchova’s variety is not something the Italian enjoys. It has been two weeks since Muchova’s semifinal loss in Dubai, and she should be ready to go again.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lamens is a gritty competitor who always fights to the end in her matches. However, she is a massive underdog against the 2023 champion in Indian Wells. The Dutchwoman does not have enough firepower to consistently hurt Rybakina, and the 2022 Wimbledon winner will almost certainly dominate most of the rallies. Only a flood of unforced errors can stop Rybakina from progressing comfortably.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-0 Linette
Linette got an excellent win against Peyton Stearns in the opening round, but this is a tough matchup for her. Both women have similar games; focusing primarily on solid baseline hitting with particularly strong backhands. At her best, Pegula simply implements that style better than Linette. The Pole might need to use more variety than usual to try to disrupt Pegula, who will be at ease in this matchup if she gets into a rhythm.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
