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Match details
Fixture: (24) Jelena Ostapenko vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Jelena Ostapenko vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich preview
Two players with completely opposite game styles — the big-hitting Jelena Ostapenko and the crafty Aliaksandra Sasnovich — will sqaure off in the second round of the 2023 Indian Wells on Friday.
Ostapenko, who is the 24th seed at this year's tournament, will be keen to move past the disappointment of failing to defend her crown in Dubai. The Latvian lost in the third round to Aryna Sabalenka. The loss came in quick succession after an early exit in Doha and Abu Dhabhi— where she was ousted by Jessica Pegula and Zheng Qinwen in the second rounds respectively.
Back on the American hardcourts for the first time since Gaudalajara in October last year, Ostapenko will look to rediscover her best tennis.
Sasnovich, who had a strong season last year — reaching a fourth career final, the second week at Roland Garros, and a career-high ranking of No. 29 — is yet to find her footing in 2023. In fact, her win over Kaia Kanepi in the first round at Indian Wells was only her third main draw victory this year.
The Belarusian has, however, posted some big results at Indian Wells in the past. She boasts of wins over the likes of Simona Halep and Emma Raducanu, and nearly caused another upset against Petra Kvitova last year.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich head-to-head
Ostapenko leads Sasnovich in their current head-to-head with a comfortable 4-1 margin. That said, it was the Belarusian who eased past her opponent in their most recent meeting — winning 6-2, 6-2 in Ostrava last year.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich odds
All odds sourced from BETMGM
Jelena Ostapenko vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich prediction
Her recent results notwithstanding, Jelena Ostapenko will be a heavy favorite to win heading into the contest. The Latvian was playing some solid tennis before her Middle Eastern slump, having reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
An aggressive baseliner, she will step out looking to hit Aliaksandra Sasnovich off the court. She, however, needs to be wary of her opponent's uncanny ability to use her opponent's power against them.
Pace does not bother Sasnovich, who likes taking the ball herself. She got a taste of what's to come in her opening match against power-hitter Kanepi and will be prepared to face the same against Ostapenko.
Sasnovich's win over Ostapenko in Ostrava would have also given her confidence. That said, the courts in Indian Wells are much slower. Ostapenko is better equipped to generate power off the ground, and while the Belarusian may push her, the Latvian could prove to be stronger in these conditions.
Prediction: Ostapenko to win in three sets.
