There are many exciting matches to look forward to on Day 3 of the WTA BNP Paribas Open, as former champions and semifinalists take centre stage. This article features 2021 champion, Paula Badosa as she takes on Caroline Dolehide in the second round. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
WTA Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Katie Boulter vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Katie Boulter will play in her third main draw appearance at the Indian Wells Masters and hopes to get her first win at this event. Boulter is only playing in her third tournament of the season, having missed several others due to injury. Irina-Camelia Begu got a brilliant win in the first round against Ann Li. That was Begu’s first tour-level win since last September. The 34-year-old veteran is not at her best anymore but will like her chances against Boulter, who might need some time to hit her stride. I will still back the British player to get it done in a close encounter.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Elina Svitolina vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Elina Svitolina is playing at a better level than what her record says this season. Two of her four losses have come against higher ranked players and her loss in Dubai came against a peaking Clara Tauson. Svitolina has the game to make a run here as she would be tough to hit through in these conditions. Ashlyn Krueger finally crossed the Indian Wells hurdle, getting her maiden victory in her fifth appearance. Krueger lost the first set without winning a game but bounced back brilliantly. However, she must play a better match right from the onset to beat Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Dayana Yastremska
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Ons Jabeur lost a close two-setter against Peyton Stearns in Dubai but her form this season has been a lot better and is trending in the right direction. Jabeur is playing with more confidence and will need that in abundance against the in-form, Dayana Yastremska, who is back to playing some of the best tennis of her life. Yastremksa dispatched Yue Yuan easily in the first round without even playing at her best. This should be a tightly contested match with lots of break of serves.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Paula Badosa vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-Head: Badosa 1-0 Dolehide
Paula Badosa had to retire in her last match due to her chronic back issue. Her fitness will be in question this week and Caroline Dolehide is not an easy opponent, especially if Badosa is compromised. Dolehide has been in good form for the last six months and did well to win her first round match in straight sets. Playing on her home soil should also be giving her confidence. I won’t be surprised if she defeats Badosa here, but I am picking the Spaniard on the assumption that she will be fit enough to play at a good level.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
