Jelena Ostapenko
24th seed Jelena Ostapenko takes on Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the round of 64 of the 2023 Indian Wells on Friday.
The Latvian star had a promising campaign in the Australian Open. She made it to the quarterfinals where she lost to eventual finalist Elena Rybakina. On her way to the quarterfinals, Ostapenko defeated the likes of Dayana Yastremska, Anna Bondar, Kateryna Baindl, and Coco Gauff.
Prior to Indian Wells, Ostapenko was seen in action at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The defending champion registered wins against Katarina Zavatska and Linda Fruhvirtova before losing to the in-form Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16 after bagging the first set. Last year at Indian Wells, Ostapenko couldn’t progress beyond the round of 64 as she lost to Shelby Rogers.
The 28-year-old had some fine results in 2022 but hasn’t had a great start to 2023. She had only 2 main draw wins coming into Indian Wells. 2 out of the 3 wins have come against the same opponent – Kaia Kanepi. Before Indian Wells, Sasnovich played in the Dubai Tennis Championships. She lost to Coco Gauff in the round of 32.
Sasnovich defeated Kanepi in the round of 128 of Indian Wells in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). The former managed to convert 4 out of 4 break points. Last year in Indian Wells, her campaign ended in the round of 64 with a loss against Petra Kvitova.
The head-to-head scoreline is 4-1 in favor of Ostapenko. Sasnovich opened her account in their most recent encounter at the 2022 Ostrava Open, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
Prediction: Jelena Ostapenko to win in straight sets.
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