Maria Sakkari vs Petra Kvitová Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Indian Wells

Prediction published on 13/03/2022, 09:55  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 13/03/2022 at 11:23 in Tennis Predictions

Sixth seeded Maria Sakkari takes on 27th seeded Petra Kvitova in the third round at Indian Wells. The winner of this tie faces either 20th seeded Elise Mertens or qualifier Daria Saville in the last 16. Sakkari may be only the sixth seed but there are only four higher seeded players left in the women's draw. The Greek player is the current world number six, her highest ever ranking position. Sakkari reached the last 16 in the Australian Open this year but has shown better form in her last two tournaments. In St Petersburg, Sakkari gave away a set lead and lost in the final to Anett Kontaveit. Her most recent tournament was in Doha, where after straight sets wins over Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, she lost in the last four to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. Only once has she previously made it to the last 16 at Indian Wells. So far this week, Sakkari has had a straight sets win over Katerina Siniakova.

Petra Kvitova has been slipping down the rankings and began this tournament as the world number 31. This year began with her in 17th place and Kvitova was 10th this time last year. 2022 got off to a terrible start for Kvitova with a loss to Priscilla Hon, who was ranked 263rd at the time. Kvitova lost to Sorana Cirstea in the first round of the Australian Open and didn't discover any real form until Dubai, where she was defending champion. The Czech beat Aryna Sabalenka before being beaten by Jelena Ostapenko after winning the first set. The Doha tournament didn't go well though with Kvitova retiring hurt in her match against Elise Mertens. This week has seen Kvitova beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich but had to come from a set down to do so. These two players have had six previous matches, with the scores tied at 3-3. Their most recent match saw Sakkari win in straight sets at the 2021 US Open. Sakkari is the clear form pick here and can get the win.