By Tony Fairbairn
- Elise Mertens [24] v Naomi Osaka [PR]
- Grigor Dimitrov [13] v Adrian Mannarino [21]
- Maria Sakkari [9] v Caroline Garcia [20]
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Former champion Naomi Osaka takes on Elise Mertens for a place in the fourth round of Indian Wells as the third round matches conclude in California.
 |
Elise Mertens [24] v Naomi Osaka [PR] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Elise Mertens [24] v Naomi Osaka [PR] | H2H: Osaka leads 3-1 |
| Indian Wells 2024 | Indian Wells, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $59,100 |
| Third on Stadium One (21:30 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Elise Mertens hasn’t started the season in the best form having only won back-to-back matches at one tournament this year which is when she reached the final in Hobart. The Belgian has lacked consistency on serve as the world number 28 is yet to find her rhythm this season. However the faster conditions at Indian Wells might be what Mertens needs to gradually build her confidence as she looks to gain momentum heading into the clay court swing.
Next up for Mertens is former champion Naomi Osaka who continues to build momentum in her comeback to the tour. Osaka gained an impressive straight sets win over 14th seed Liudmila Samsonova as she looks to be finding her game at the right time. The former world number one’s serving has been immaculate since her comeback with the rest of her game slowly starting to match the high standards set in the past. Now Osaka will look to gain another big win at one of her favourite tournaments as she aims for a deep run at Indian Wells.
Mertens will look to use depth to cause Osaka problems from the baseline as she aims to finish points off at the net, using her doubles IQ to her advantage. Meanwhile Osaka will aim to serve efficiently and continue to be precise with her forehand as she hopes to force Mertens behind the baseline. This will be a good overall test for Osaka in terms of her tactical skillset and endurance, but the former Grand Slam champion should prevail and reach the last 16.
Prediction: Osaka in three sets.
Grigor Dimitrov [13] v Adrian Mannarino [21] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Grigor Dimitrov [13] v Adrian Mannarino [21] | H2H: Dimitrov leads 4-0 |
| Indian Wells 2024 | Indian Wells, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $59,100 |
| Third on Stadium Three (21:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It’s been an incredible season for Grigor Dimitrov so far who is back to his best after reaching the final at the Masters 1000 event in Paris to end last year. The Bulgarian has followed that run up with a title in Brisbane as well as reaching the final in Marseille. However a third round exit at the Australian Open has still left doubts as to whether Dimitrov can deliver at the big events and the world number 13 will look to prove that in Indian Wells.
Another player who has returned to his best tennis is Adrian Mannarino with the Frenchman facing Dimitrov next. The 35 year-old ended last season in fine form winning titles in Astana and Sofia as he keeps proving that age is just a number. A versatile style of play, Mannarino will look to continue making life tricky for the best players in the world as he aims to overturn a recent dip in form at Indian Wells.
Dimitrov will aim to be confident on serve as he will be proactive and approach the net as much as possible in order to finish points off efficiently. Meanwhile Mannarino will look to mix up the tempo of the rallies with a mix of power and slice. Although the Frenchman is a tricky player to contend with, Dimitrov should have too much quality as the Bulgarian bids for a place in the last 16.
Prediction: Dimitrov in straight sets.
 |
Maria Sakkari [9] v Caroline Garcia [20] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Maria Sakkari [9] v Caroline Garcia [20] | H2H: Tied at 3-3 |
| Indian Wells 2024 | Indian Wells, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $59,100 |
| Fourth on Stadium Two (Not before 02:00 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It’s been an eventful season for Maria Sakkari so far after splitting up with her long-time coach Tom Hill and replacing him with former coach of Jessica Pegula, David Witt. On the court the Greek is yet to find her feet as the ninth seed is in desperate search of progression and results with Sakkari continuing to perform below her potential at big events. Now under a new coach, Sakkari will hope to change her fortunes starting with a deep run at Indian Wells.
A big test awaits Sakkari in the form of 20th seed Caroline Garcia. The 30 year-old is one of the more inconsistent players on the tour with her good spells being unstoppable with her bad spells of form being really bad. Heading into Indian Wells, Garcia was on a four match losing streak before ending that rotten run against Viktoriya Tomova in her opening round in California. Now Garcia will hope that is the catalyst for a deep run at Indian Wells and a turnaround in form.
Sakkari will aim to use her physical qualities in order to extend the rallies and force Garcia into erratic tactical errors. Meanwhile Garcia looks to be effective on serve using the wide serve to open up space on the court to hit efficient winners into. Both players desperately need a win to kickstart their season and Sakkari’s more stable game should edge through in what is set to be a nervy and tense affair.
Prediction: Sakkari in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow Indian Wells 2024
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Subscribe to Britwatch Sports | |
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |