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Ros Satar

Indian Wells – Edmund and Robson start their campaigns

Ros Satar
Tennis

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By Ros Satar

  • Kyle Edmund v Guido Pella
  • Laura Robson v Magdalena Rybarikova

INDIAN WELLS, USA – Kyle Edmund looks to get the ATP Next Generation on the map, while Laura Robson bids for an injury free return in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Britwatch Tennis:

Kyle Edmund v Guido Pella – First Meeting

Edmund was all set for Davis Cup duty when a back niggle ruled him out of the first round tie against Japan, so this will be a good test for him, after lining up with the rest of the ATP Next Generation hopefuls.

He has the attitude and a solid game to go far, if he can just address some of the five set cramping issues that he has suffered. But in good old-fashioned three sets, he stands a good chance against clay courter Pella. The Argentine does come off the back of the Golden Latin clay court swing, but did pick up a hard court win against Poland’s Michal Przysiezny in Davis Cup, whereas Edmund has been off the court since falling in the final round of qualifying in Dubai.

It is a tough ask for the Brit against man over half as many places in front of him in the rankings, but Edmund has gained wins punching above his weight before.

 

Laura Robson v Magdalena Rybarikova – H2H: 1-1

It’s a bit of a battle of the walking wounded. Robson has delayed her comeback many times because of continued issues with her wrist, while Rybarikova only returned to the court in Monterrey, after retiring in her second round match at the Australian Open.

Although the pair have faced each other before, splitting their wins, it is their first time on hard courts. It is hard to know what to expect from Robson, who is using her protected ranking here.

She has put off her return many times, and has not even made it out of ITF level qualifiers thus far this year.

Even allowing for Rybarikova’s own injury issues this year, it is a really tough ask to see if she can advance past the first round in just her second main draw appearance.

Edmund and Robson are scheduled not before 12:30pm (8:30pm GMT).