Doubles WTA legend Pam Shriver shared her thoughts on how the Indian Wells might go, specifically how Aryna Sabalenka might do.
Sabalenka started 2024 on a very high note by making a final before the Australian Open and then winning the first Grand Slam of the year. She didn't do as well in the Middle East losing her first match back but she's expected to rectificy that at the Indian Wells Open.
It's an event where she played really well last year making the final but she didn't win it. Elena Rybakina won that match but expect Sabalenka to come back with some fire this year hoping to go all the way, especially with the way she played in the Middle East.
Shriver firmly believes that Sabalenka can win the Indian Wells Open because she almost won it last year. The issue for Shriver is the lack of tennis she played since the Australian Open.
She only played one match, and it wasn't a very good one. That could hurt her a bit, especially since she'll get to play much later than most of her opponents due to her seeding status.
"Of course, she can win in Indian Wells. But if you’re going to play someone who’s just won a major -- for the second time -- the time to do it is early. I’m a big believer that these byes, given the depth in the game, can make it difficult."
"One match is not a lot of tennis since Melbourne, and that can be a problem. With 32 seeds, there’s a little more protection. Still, if Sabalenka gets rolling early, there’s no reason she can’t win this event."
As always, a lot might depend on the draw, and who wins the first-round match between the opponents that could face her. Sabalenka should be motivated and the conditions suit her but whether that will translate to success remains to be seen.