Simona Halep vs Iga Swiatek Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Indian Wells

Prediction published on 17/03/2022, 07:44  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 17/03/2022 at 17:16 in Tennis Predictions

Iga Swiatek is still on course to win a second tournament in a row. The Polish player takes on Simona Halep in the Indian Wells semi-finals. Swiatek recently won the Dubai title and if winning this match will take over top spot from Ashleigh Barty in the WTA Race. The third seed has not had an easy time in this tournament, well not in the first set anyway. Swiatek lost the opening set to Anhelina Kalinina, Clara Tauson and Angelique Kerber in her first three matches in this event. Swiatek bounced back well on each occasion though only losing nine games in the other six sets played. It was easier in her quarter final as Swiatek beat Madison Keys 6-1 6-0. This is her fourth semi-final of a very consistent year.

Simona Halep is seeded 24th for this tournament and is the world number 26. The former world number one was as high as 15th in January. Halep began the year by winning the Melbourne Summer Set tournament and followed that with a run to the last sixteen at the Australian Open. Her good form continued when reaching the last four in Dubai, but then lost to Caroline Garcia in her first match in the Doha tournament. Halep won this title seven years ago and so far this year has had wins over Ekaterina Alexandrova (in three sets), 16th seed Coco Gauff, Sorana Cirstea (the 26th seed) and in the quarter finals, a straight sets win over Petra Martic, losing just two games. These two players have had three previous meetings, all in Grand Slams, Swiatek beat Halep on her way to winning the 2020 French Open but lost to her at Roland Garros the previous year and in the 2021 Australian Open. Swiatek is in the best form and can reach the final, though it may well take her three sets to do so.