Maria Sakkari vs Elena Rybakina Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Indian Wells

Prediction published on 16/03/2022, 08:04  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 16/03/2022 at 09:04 in Tennis Predictions

Sixth seeded Maria Sakkari takes on the 17th seed Elena Rybakina in the Indian Wells quarter finals. The winner of this match will face either defending champion Paula Badosa or Veronika Kudermetova in the last four. Sakkari is continuing the consistent form she has shown in recent weeks. The Greek world number six (she'll move up to fifth in the live rankings if winning this match) reached the final of the St Petersburg Ladies' Trophy and then the semi-finals in Qatar, losing to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. This tournament has seen her get wins over Katerina Siniakova, Petra Kvitova (losing just three games) and Daria Saville. The latter match saw Sakkari 4-1 up in the first set when her opponent retired.

Elena Rybakina began this tournament ranked 20th in the world. This run to the Indian Wells last eight has her up to 18th in the live rankings and a win over Sakkari can take her up to 15th. Earlier this year, Rybakina was a career high 12th in the world. The Khazakhstan player made it to the final of the first tournament held in Adelaide this year, losing to world number one Ashleigh Barty. Only the second round of the Australian Open was reached though, retiring in her match against Shuai Zhang. Little form has been shown by Rybakina until this event. Wins have come against Alison van Uytvanck, 13th seeded Viktoria Azarenka and 31st seed Viktorija Golubic, all in straight sets. These two players have only had one previous match. That was in St Petersburg last year with Rybakina winning in three sets. Sakkari is in the better form at present and can get some revenge for that loss.