Indian Wells 2024: Venus Williams vs Nao Hibino; Preview, Head-To-Head, and Prediction
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American tennis legend Venus Williams is finally making a much-awaited comeback on the court. After being away from the sport for months owing to injuries, the former World Number 1 will be seen in action at the Indian Wells WTA 1000 tournament. At 43, age is just a number for her and Williams has practiced hard to return to competitive stage. However, she is set to face a stern challenge in the form of Nao Hibino, the 29-year-old player from Japan.
Ahead of the Indian Wells tournament, Williams could be seen training with American sensation, Clervie Ngounoue. The 43-year-old played some audacious shots and she looks set to play her first-round encounter in Indian Wells. Let’s find out how she matches up to her opponent.
Venus Williams vs Nao Hibino: Preview
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Over the past few years, Venus Williams has played in a select few tournaments. She was last seen in action at the US Open, where she bowed out of the tournament in the opening round. After taking a break to recover from her injuries, Indian Wells will be the first tournament of 2024 for Williams.
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On the other hand, Hibino has played consistently this year, although her performances have been up and down. Her best result in 2024 has been a quarterfinal appearance in Canberra earlier this year. Hibino enters the Indian Wells main draw as a qualifier. As a result, she is well-acclimatized to the courts in the tournament.
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Williams vs Hibino: Head-to-Head
Although both Hibino and Williams have been around for a very long time, it is interesting to note that the two haven’t faced off against each other yet on the WTA Tour. Their first-round encounter in Indian Wells will be their maiden meeting, where unpredictability can be a huge factor going up against each other.
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Prediction: Hibino to upset local fans
The Japanese star has lost just one match out of the last five that she has played. Moreover, Williams is coming back after a long break and will take time to adjust to the WTA Tour. So Hibino is predicted to win the game in straight sets, despite the local support being in Williams’ favor. Their match takes place later today in Stadium 1. Whatever the result is, the home fans are surely going to enjoy seeing Williams back in action.
Edited by:
Arunima Bhanot