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Match details
Fixture: (9) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs (23) Leylah Fernandez
Date: 10 October 2021
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Third round (Round of 32)
Venue: Indian Wells, USA
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize money: $8,761,725
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Leylah Fernandez preview
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Leylah Fernandez will square off in an exciting third-round encounter between Grand Slam finalists at the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.
Pavlyuchenkova, the Roland Garros runner-up, produced a near-flawless performance to down the big-hitting Madison Keys in her opener. The ninth seed will face possibly an even bigger test in the shape of US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez next.
Fernandez's memorable run at the US Open saw her register big wins over the likes of Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka. The youngster has picked up from right where she left off in New York, racing to z 6-2, 6-3 win over Alize Cornet in her opening match at Indian Wells.
Fernandez was extremely solid against Cornet and if she can carry her form into the match against Pavlyuchenkova, she could give the Russian a lot to think about.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Leylah Fernandez head-to-head
This will be the first career meeting between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Leylah Fernandez, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Leylah Fernandez prediction
After enduring a rough start to the 2021 season, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova finally hit her stride during the European claycourt swing. The Russian has the ability to hit through most opponents and will enter this contest looking to be the aggressor.
Pavlyuchenkova's clean ball-striking was on full display during her second-round encounter against Madison Keys. She did not face a single break point and was impressive on return as well, winning 78% of the points on the American's second serve.
Fernandez, for her part, has the sort of game that could trouble Pavlyuchenkova. She is extremely solid from the baseline and likes to open up the court using her forehand.
The youngster did look a little rusty in her opener against Cornet and will need to raise her level significantly against Pavlyuchenkova.
Fernandez will also need to improve her service numbers. She landed only about 55% of first serves against Cornet, winning a lowly 57% of those points.
Both women enjoy playing from the back court and this match could well turn into a baseline tussle. But if Pavlyuchenkova can produce a repeat of her performance against Keys, she could well power past Fernandez into the fourth round.
Prediction: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win in three sets
