Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Indian Wells

Prediction published on 17/03/2023, 06:20  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 17/03/2023 at 10:51 in Tennis Predictions

Iga Swiatek takes on the tenth seeded Elena Rybakina in the Indian Wells semi-finals. The Pole is out to successfully defend her title and no one has done that here in 32 years. Awaiting the winner of this semi-final is either Aryna Sabalenka or Maria Sakkari, the latter lost to Swiatek in last year's final. Swiatek is yet to drop a set in this tournament and had a comfortable quarter final win over unseeded Sorana Cirstea on Thursday. That win makes it 19 in a row that the Pole has had in straight sets. Only five games were lost against Cirstea but this should be a much tougher match for the world number one. Rybakina beat her in the Australian Open this year, one of only three losses she's had inflicted on her in 2023. The pair have only had two previous meetings the other won by Swiatek two years ago.

Elena Rybakina is  career high 10th in the world but can rise as high as eighth if winning this semi-final. In January, the 23-year-old was as low as 25th in the rankings. In the Live WTA Race, Rybakina is second but will will swap places with third placed Swiatek if losing this match. Rybakina reached the Australian Open final this year and could have a rematch in Indian Wells if Sabalenka also gets through to the final.  This tournament has seen her drop just one set. That was the middle set in her quarter final win over unseeded Karolina Muchova. Swiatek is our tip to win this match but it could well be a closer match than some the Pole has had in recent weeks.