Tennis | Indian Wells 2024 | Former Grand Slam champions Kerber and Wozniacki face tough second round tests

03/08/2024 09:01 AM

By Tony Fairbairn

• Jelena Ostapenko [10] v Angelique Kerber [PR]
• Jannik Sinner [3] v Thanasi Kokkinakis
• Donna Vekic [25] v Caroline Wozniacki [WC]

INDIAN WELLS, USA – Former Grand Slam champions Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki face tough second round tests at Indian Wells as the seeds enter the draw.

Jelena Ostapenko [10] v Angelique Kerber [PR]  H2H & Match Fundamentals

It's been an incredible start to the season for Jelena Ostapenko with the Latvian winning two titles to start the year in Adelaide and Linz. Furthermore the Latvian has produced consistency in her game, showing that she can produce results week in and week out. However the tenth seed would love nothing more than to start winning big titles at WTA 1000 and Grand Slam level with that bid aiming to start at Indian Wells.

The first obstacle for Ostapenko to negotiate is former Indian Wells finalist Angelique Kerber who has returned to the tour this year after becoming a mother. The German's comeback to tennis after 18 months hasn't gone according to plan so far having only won two of her eight matches so far. However Kerber will be hoping she can gradually build her confidence with her counter-attacking game proving a success at Indian Wells in the past. Now the 36 year-old will look to do the same as she looks to climb up the rankings ahead of Roland Garros.

Ostapenko will look to dictate the baseline rallies with the forehand as she aims to maintain a consistently aggressive tempo on serve. Meanwhile Kerber will look for depth to neutralize Ostapenko's power with the German using the backhand to open up the court, therefore giving herself time on the ball to hit winners into. In the past this type of match suits Kerber therefore it wouldn't be surprising if this match went the distance. However Ostapenko's confident form makes her firm favourite to reach the third round.

Prediction: Ostapenko in three sets.

Jannik Sinner [3] v Thanasi Kokkinakis H2H & Match Fundamentals

Jannik Sinner is the man to beat on the ATP tour right now having backed up his Australian Open triumph by winning the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam. The Italian winning his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne seems to have boosted his confidence and psychology as he now believes he can beat anybody. The cause for concern for the rest of the tour is Sinner still believes he has more to improve and will look to start that further learning process at Indian Wells as he looks to win a second Masters 1000 title of his career.

Next for Sinner is powerful Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis who hasn't had the best season but produced an impressive performance against Marcos Giron to reach the second round. The world number 99 has all the potential to achieve big things in the sport but the Australian lacks the consistency and variety to cause players trouble on a regular basis. Now Kokkinakis will aim to improve his confidence as he needs a big climb up the rankings over the next few weeks given clay isn't his strongest surface.

Sinner will aim to target the Kokkinakis backhand as he continues to be consistent and aggressive on serve while being clinical on return. Meanwhile Kokkinakis will aim to use depth to force shorter balls from the Italian as the Australian looks to finish points off at the net. A testing first set for Sinner should result in a comfortable victory as the Italian continues to show why he is the dominant force on the ATP tour.

Prediction: Sinner in straight sets.   

Donna Vekic [25] v Caroline Wozniacki [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Donna Vekic has had a consistent start to the year but has failed to capitalize on all the momentum she had built last year. The world number 36 has had some poor defeats this season already and will hope that it isn't a theme to be followed across the season as the Croatian failed to build on her win over Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai. Now Vekic will look for a deep run at Indian Wells as she looks to kickstart her season.

A tough first match awaits for Vekic as she will take on good friend and former champion Caroline Wozniacki. After a run to the second week at the US Open last year, Wozniacki would have felt highly excited about how the rest of her comeback to tennis would develop. However that excitement has faded by achieving only two wins from four tournaments as the former Australian Open champion has lacked consistency and aggression in her game. Now Wozniacki will look for consistent match practice as she looks to improve her level of play at one of the world's biggest tournaments.

Vekic will look to be accurate and aggressive on serve as she looks to finish off points as early as possible by approaching the net. Meanwhile Wozniacki will look to make Vekic overcommit on her shots allowing the Dane to find space to hit winners as she looks to turn defence into attack. This should be an entertaining match with both players looking for a win in order to improve their form. Vekic enters this match as slight favourite but it wouldn't be surprising if Wozniacki was able to outmanoeuvre the Croatian.

Prediction: Wozniacki in three sets.

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