WTA BNP Paribas Open: Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The Indian Wells Masters women’s semifinals are now set with Aryna Sabalenka and Maria Sakkari, both vying to lift the first of the two ‘Sunshine Doubles’. On the side, there is a match between world no.1 Iga Swiatek and the Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina. While there are growing speculations about the results of both matches, the match between this season’s Australian Open winner and the 2021 French Open semifinalist is garnering a lot of attention.

For Sabalenka, the year started in amazing fashion, with her first major singles title of the season in Melbourne. She will definitely look to secure another honor at the Indian Wells Masters. On the other hand, we have Greek tennis icon Maria Sakkari, who will aim to win her first-ever WTA 1000 title, and secure a record before reaching the Miami Open.

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Maria Sakkari: Match Preview

Sabalenka is really on an unstoppable spree this year, with flattering a 16-1 record so far. Previously boggled by criticisms of “inconsistency”, she is now looking more confident with her backhand. She went on to secure straight set victories in her first ten matches of 2023. It looked like she was slowing down in Dubai when she lost against Barbora Krejcikova, but she defeated the same opponent in the fourth round of Indian Wells. After which she outplayed Coco Gauff in straight sets once again. After securing a 6-4 6-0 against Gauff, Sabalenka now stands against world no. 7 Sakkari.

Sakkari, however, is struggling since the beginning of the season. However, the last time the two met on court, Sakkari dominated the match in straight sets of 6-2 6-4. Sakkari has been winning her Indian Wells matches by narrow points and her last match was with Petra Kvitova, who she upset in three sets of 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. Sakkari will be eyeing the title fiercely as she did reach the final of WTA 1000 open last year, but was unable to make it to the end.

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Sakkari vs. Sabalenka: Head to Head

In a total of 7 matches played, Sabalenka leads the h2h 4-3, with a 57.1% win. The two have met in the following tournaments: Cincinnati and Zhuhai (2019), Dubai and Doha (2020), Abu Dhabi and the WTA Finals (2021), and finally again in the WTA Finals (2022).

Although in both the WTA Finals matches, Sabalenka lost to Sakkari, she seems like a different and more dominating player now.

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in three sets

While Sabalenka’s big serve and aggressive play might be a reason for Sakkari’s concern, the slower courts will prove to be advantageous during return. Sakkari has made it to three sets in all her previous matches at Indian Wells, losing the first set every time.

Also, Sabalenka’s quick quarterfinal win over Coco Gauff, wrapped up in 65 minutes, gave her a day of rest. Sakkari, however, spent a total of 9 hours and 35 minutes on the court compared to just 4 hours and 16 minutes for Sabalenka. Playing long matches has cost Sakkari in the past, and she will have to be sharper against Sabalenka to go through to the final.

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Sabalenka’s dominant form holds the advantage, making her the clear favorite to win. Sakkari will need to go the extra mile to dominate this new Sabalenka with her dazzling confidence. Clinching her first-ever WTA 1000 title won’t be easy and Sabalenka will surely make it all the more difficult.