Indian Wells Day 6 Previews: Sabalenka vs. Raducanu, Sakkari vs. Garcia, Korda vs. Medvedev
Before each day’s play at the BNP Paribas Open, we’ll preview three must-see matches.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Emma Raducanu
From double faults to double Grand Slam champion, Sabalenka’s hard work has hurdled her into a feared competitor. Her progress over the last couple of years are proof that there is plenty more left in the tank, and likely a few more Slams. Her third-round opponent, however, experienced an entirely different career. Raducanu went from zero to hero when she became the first qualifier to win the US Open in 2021. Since then, she’s been battling injuries and working to climb back onto the scene. The two have never faced off before, but this is a compelling clash. If Raducanu is able to maintain and even elevate her level to match Sabalenka’s confidence, it’s going to be quite the face-off. Winner: Sabalenka
Maria Sakkari vs. Carolne Garcia
The most competitive matchup in the mid-field WTA player range is Sakkari vs. Garcia. Both players have come so close to major breakthroughs on tour. Sakkari, on the one hand, is a firecracker on court who makes deep runs in tournaments, while Garcia reaches high peaks of performance before falling back to expected outcomes. Each of them would love a deep run at Indian Wells. Their head-to-head is tied at three a piece, which adds even more excitement to the match. Winner: Sakkari
Sebastian Korda vs. Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev is coasting under the radar at the moment, but his game—at its best—looks Slam-worthy. To his benefit, the outward pressure isn’t on him to perform, which means he can focus more on remaining grounded and grinding through tournaments like he knows and loves to do. Is he capable of defeating Medvedev, though? He leads the head-to-head record 2-1, winning the latest two meetings last season, so he has the confidence—and the results to back it up. But this is a big spot, and Medvedev is due for a title run himself. Winner: Medvedev