Indian Wells Day 5 Previews: Tiafoe vs. Tsitsipas, Wozniacki vs. Volynets, Bublik vs. de Minaur
Before each day’s play at the BNP Paribas Open, we’ll preview three must-see matches.
Frances Tiafoe vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas
Although Tiafoe won their most recent battle—at the 2022 Laver Cup—the Greek has the slight edge coming into this third-round match. Tsitsipas has a few more wins under his belt for the year and is playing steadier overall, unlike the American. Ever since his US Open semifinal run back in 2022, Tiafoe has been in a new echelon of the tour, but he hasn’t figured out how to continue persevering in the tournaments and rankings since. There is hope for him to reach that next level, but at this point in time, Tsitsipas seems more likely to move into week two. Winner: Stefanos Tsitsipas
Caroline Wozniacki vs. Katie Volynets
There were a number of American women primed to make a run at Indian Wells, but Katie Volynets was not one of them. Slowly but surely, she’s becoming a hot contender as she knocked out back-to-back favorites, Mirra Andreeva and Ons Jabeur. Now in another heated matchup, the American faces returning mom and Grand Slam champion Wozniacki. Unless the Dane comes out swinging with her best tennis, Volynets could continue the upset train all the way into the Round of 16. Winner: Katie Volynets
Alexander Bublik vs. Alex de Minuar
Outside the main reason to tune into a Bublik match—the hot-headed racquet smashing—his opponent is a fascinating watch as well. Both Bublik and de Minaur will need to get creative in order to inch past the finish line, as their games will match up well. The Australian does lead the head-to-head record 2-0, with both matches taking place in 2021, so the confidence in his corner is steady. Will confidence be enough, thought Winner: Alex de Minaur