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PREVIEW: 2021 WTA Tour – Indian Wells Masters Selected Ro16 fixtures

Damien Kayat previews the Ro16 Indian Wells Masters matches between Shelby Rogers and Leylah Fernandez as well as Iga Swiatek and Jelena Ostapenko.

Iga Swiatek - Indian Wells Masters
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

Damien Kayat preview three of the most noteworthy round of 16 clashes coming your way from the WTA Tour's Indian Wells Masters.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

WTA Tour 2021
WTA 1000
Indian Wells Masters
Indian Wells Gardens, Indian Wells, California
Selected Round of 16 Matches- 12th October


Shelby Rogers 16/10 | Leylah Fernandez 47/100

This is setting up to be something special. Leylah Fernandez is just continuing to evolve in the wake of her shock US Open final appearance earlier this year. She just picked up a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. It showcased all the grit and determination that have become synonymous with her game. But next up for the Canadian is hardcourt aficionado Shelby Rogers.

Rogers is currently enjoying a breakthrough Indian Wells, reaching the 4th round for the first time after five previous unsuccessful attempts. Moreover, she is yet to drop a set week. The 28-year-old American has overcome some serious injury issues and currently has a year-to-date hardcourt record of 19-11. She has also grown into something of a monster killer over the past year. She beat Serena Williams at last year’s Top Seed Open and upset the seemingly insurmountable Ashleigh Barty at this year’s US Open.

Verdict: Rogers to win at 16/10

This will be the 2nd meeting between these two. Rogers demolished Fernandez in straight sets at last year’s Lexington Open. I just have the feeling that Rogers’ clinical power could pummel the effervescent Canadian into submission. However, the American will need to go for broke against Fernandez’s terrific defensive game.

Iga Swiatek 26/100 | Jelena Ostapenko 11/4

This has fun written all about it. 2nd seed Iga Swiatek has set up a potentially exciting 4th round clash with the mercurial Jelena Ostapenko. This is obviously a clash of two former Roland Garros champions. Swiatek was at her ruthless best in the last match, thrashing Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-0. Though most of her best results have come on clay, she has actually enjoyed a solid year on the harder surfaces. She won the Adelaide title and reached the 4th round at both the Aussie and US Opens. She is yet to drop a set this year and is fast emerging as an Indian Wells favourite.

Ostapenko has made slightly tougher going of it, needing three sets to overcome Putintseva last time out. Ostapenko has enjoyed yet another unpredictable year. She won her first WTA 5000 title in Eastbourne and also made the final in Luxembourg. Ostapenko is always dangerous. Lest we forget, Ostapenko did reach the Miami final in 2018 (Miami is obviously the other half of the so-called ‘Sunshine Double’).

Verdict: Swiatek to win in three at 29/10

I think this could be a real classic between two passion merchants. Ostapenko actually leads the head-to-head 1-0, thrashing the Pole at the 2019 Birmingham Classic. But I think that Swiatek is a completely different proposition now. Having said that, I can imagine Ostapenko picking up a set at some point.

Jessica Pegula 82/100 | Elina Svitolina 96/100

Number 4 seed Elina Svitolina has enjoyed a consistent latter half of the campaign. She won Olympic Bronze and already has a WTA hardcourt title this year: she won the Chicago Women’s Open earlier this year. But Svitolina was made to labour against Sorana Cirstea. The Ukrainian had to come from behind in the final set. It was her 10th come-from-behind victory this year. That has certainly been a massive area of improvement for the occasionally fickle Svitolina.

Hometown favourite Jessica Pegula was in no mood to offer any freebies last time out, thrashing Jasmine Paolini in less than an hour. In fact, Pegula has yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament. She won 75% of her service points. This is particularly impressive when you consider the relative slowness of these surfaces.

The Verdict: Pegula to win at 82/100

This will be the 3rd meeting between these two. Svitolina won in Abu Dhabi earlier this year while Pegula avenged that defeat in Australia. This will be a brilliant battle between two players noted for their defensive rigidity. That will make for an outstanding spectacle on these slow courts. But I think that the American’s greater power may allow her to pass through Svitolina.

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