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Match details
Fixture: (6) Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa
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
Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa preview
Coco Gauff will open her 2023 Indian Wells campaign with a second-round encounter against Spaniard Cristina Bucsa on Friday.
Gauff, the sixth seed at this year's tournament, received a bye in the opening round. She, however, has had plenty of match practice coming into the WTA 1000 event, having recently reached the semifinals in Dubai and quarters in Doha.
The American opened her season with a title win in Auckland, but is yet to replicate the result in the two months since. She will be hopeful of staging a deep run in Indian Wells.
Having come through qualifying, Bucsa already has a few match wins under her belt. She ousted the talented duo of Erika Andreeva and Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the qualifiers before getting the better of another tough opponent in the form of Katie Swan in the opening round of the main draw.
The Spaniard has been in good touch of late, having posted the biggest win of her young career in Melbourne this year. She beat former Grand Slam champion Bianca Andreescu en route to the third round of the Australian Open.
Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Gauff and Bucsa, so their head-to-head stands at 0-0 for now.
Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa odds
(Odds to be updated soon)
Coco Gauff vs Cristina Bucsa prediction
Given the gulf in the rankings and in terms of experience playing on the biggest stage, Gauff will be a heavy favorite heading into this contest.
The American, however, still needs to be wary of Cristina Busca, who possesses a big game that can trouble even the best. When striking the ball freely, the Spaniard can do pretty much anything with her groundstrokes. Her heavy forehand, however, remains her biggest strength.
On the contrary, Gauff relies on agility and defensive skills to win most of the points. The American also possesses a big first serve that eases pressure off some of the other parts of her game.
The heavier conditions in Indian Wells will play more to Gauff's liking, and while she is bound to face some stiff resistance, the American should be able to come through in the end.
Prediction: Gauff to win in two tight sets.
