Mirra Andreeva didn't look too impressive in Dubai, but she's hopeful about returning to winning ways in Indian Wells.
To do that, Andreeva will have to defeat Katie Volynets, an American player who likes to compete, especially on home soil, and generally is tough to beat. An American also bested Andreeva in Dubai, so the Russian will certainly want to get a revenge.
Volynets has looked pretty decent at times but the American has failed to make a big leap so far. A lack of weapons is a clear reason why. In this era of hard-hitting tennis, her playstyle struggles greatly.
She'll have to adapt to that or simply get overrun by some of the hard-hitting talents on the rise. This matchup will be a good test for her because Andreeva doesn't have too much power now.
She's one of the smartest players out there, utilizing what she does well with clinical precision. It's going to be a tough but not impossible job for Volynets.
Andreeva and Volynets have never played against each other on the WTA Tour, and it's not a huge surprise. The American rarely gets a chance to play on this level, while Andreeva has been around for less than a year. What Volynets does have over her opponent is having played at the Indian Wells Open.
It's a unique court because it's very slow for a hard court so players need to adjust to it. Andreeva shouldn't have a problem, though, because she's very strong in conditions like these, so I expect her to thrive.
| Mirra Andreeva | Katie Volynets | |
| 0 | H2H | 0 |
| 38 | Rank | 131 |
| 16 | Age | 22 |
| 6-3 | 2024 W/L | 11-4 |
| 81-21 | Career W/L | 165-121 |
The problem for Volynets here will simply be staying in rallies with Andreeva. I don't see her being able to do that because the added time that Andreeva will have will only benefit her in finding the right angles. Her form has trended down recently, but I think this will go well.
Prediction: Mirra Andreeva to win in two sets.