Maria Sakkari in the 2021 Roland Garros quarter-final, Paris, France
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 09: Maria Sakkari of Greece returns a ball in her Quarter Final match against Iga Swiatek of Poland during day eleven of the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros on June 09, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Tennis | Indian Wells 2022 | Former champions and blockbuster matches headline quarter-finals action

  • Maria Sakkari [6] v Elena Rybakina [17]
  • Rafael Nadal [4] v Nick Kyrgios [WC]
  • Paula Badosa [5] v Veronika Kudermetova [21]
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Former champions and blockbuster matches headline quarter-finals day at Indian Wells.

 

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Maria Sakkari [6] v Elena Rybakina [17]  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Maria Sakkari [6] v Elena Rybakina [17]

H2H: Rybakina leads 1-0

WTA Indian Wells

Indian Wells, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $179,940

1st on Stadium 1 (18:00 GMT)

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 Maria Sakkari has continued to look impressive this season having won at least three matches in all four tournaments that she’s played. The sixth seed has built on last season’s progress and continued her consistency as she strives for more success in the latter stages of tournaments. Sakkari has an accurate serve and a very physical game which makes it tough for her opponents to break down as she aims for a first WTA 1000 title.

Next for Sakkari is big-hitting Elena Rybakina who has struggled through the opening stages of the tournament. The Kazakh has had to deal with injuries at the start of the season which has halted her progress and therefore being unable to build on last season. However wins over Victoria Azarenka and Viktorija Golubic now see her achieve her best result of the season and when Rybakina has confidence she is able to beat any player in the world.

This should be a cracking match that sees two players who are in their best form of the season. Sakkari will look to extend the rallies and look after her own serve effectively while Rybakina will look to overpower the Greek’s defensive skills. The conditions should favour Sakkari who has just more consistency in her game to outlast a very tough Rybakina.

Prediction: Sakkari in three sets.

 

Rafael Nadal [4] v Nick Kyrgios [WC]  H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Rafael Nadal [4] v Nick Kyrgios [WC]

H2H: Nadal leads 5-3

ATP Indian Wells

Indian Wells, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $179,940

3rd on Stadium 1 (Not before 22:00 GMT)

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Rafael Nadal has been in ridiculous form this season and this week has proved even when not performing at his best he can still beat most of the tour. The Spaniard’s last set tiebreak win over Sebastian Korda in his first match of the week was a reminder of why he his the best competitor this sport has ever seen. Now Nadal is looking to make it 19-0 for the year and book his place in the semi-finals at Indian Wells.

Standing in Nadal’s way is Nick Kyrgios who has been focused and locked in this week showing everyone why many tipped him for success in the sport. The Australian’s doubles grand slam victory with Thanasi Kokkinakis has seemingly given him confidence as he has recorded impressive wins this week including his last one over Casper Ruud. Can Kyrgios go all the way in California?

There is no love lost between these two as Nadal will look to use his variety and top-spin to neutralise the Australian’s roar power and serve. The slower conditions should favour the Spaniard but this should be another tough test against a confident and in-form Kyrgios who will have nothing to lose in this match-up.

Prediction: Nadal in three sets  

 

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Paula Badosa [5] v Veronika Kudermetova [21] H2H & Match Fundamentals

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Paula Badosa [5] v Veronika Kudermetova [21]

H2H: Kudermetova leads 3-0

WTA Indian Wells

Indian Wells, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $179,940

2nd on Stadium 1 (19:30 GMT)

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Just like Cameron Norrie on the men’s side, Paula Badosa has defended her title with authority, grit and confidence so far. The Spaniard has struggled a little bit after winning the Sydney title earlier this year but has responded by producing high-quality tennis in California and now stands three wins away from defending her Indian Wells. Yet to drop a set this tournament, can anyone stop her?

One person who will have a say in that will be Veronika Kudermetova who has looked very impressive as was shown in her comfortable victory over Naomi Osaka. The world number 24’s power mixed with variety is a game that can cause any player problems and now looks to go deep at a major event and rise the rankings this season.

Kudermetova’s awkward power has caused trouble for Badosa in the past and it could cause the Spaniard trouble again with the way the 21st seed is playing. However the Spaniard’s mental fortitude mixed with maturity should mean that Badosa will find a way through this match and keep her title defence alive.

Prediction: Badosa in three sets.

 

 

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