Former doubles number 1, Pam Shriver, gave her opinion on the different contenders to win the Indian Wells tournament. Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff… They all have something to be chosen for this edition and the multiple Grand Slam champion wanted to highlight her strengths and weaknesses.
The time has come. Tomorrow the main draw starts Indian Wells and the players must demonstrate everything they have worked to achieve their best results. Iga Swatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina (title defender) or Coco Gauff They will be the big favorites for the title in this third WTA 1000 of the season, but we must not forget women like Qinwen Zheng or Jessica Pegula. They will all fight for a common goal and Pam Shriver, champion of 21 Grand Slam doubles, is clear about what the best that each one can contribute to be crowned this edition. The former world number 3 spoke with the WTA to review each specific case. Do you agree with his words?
Swiatek, principal objective
“I always see her as a contender. She is number one, but it is natural that Iga finds it increasingly difficult to stay there as we saw last year. But let’s not forget the dominant streaks she has put together, including a 37-fight winning streak in 2022 that included titles in Indian Wells and Miami. As the best player you are always a target.”
Sabalenka and her hangover from the Australian Open
“Of course he can win in Indian Wells, but if you are going to play against someone who has just won a Grand Slam it is time to do it soon. I firmly believe that these breaks, given the depth of the game, can make it difficult. One match is not much tennis from Melbourne and that can be a problem. Still, if Sabalenka starts rolling early, there is no reason he can’t win this event.”
Gauff, a combination of mental strength and speed
“The one thing that always impresses me, no matter how she plays, is that she rolls up her sleeves and is willing to get in the trenches. You only do that if you’re a natural competitor. There are two main parts to Coco’s game: the mental game and her speed on the court. The speed, defense and attitude are pretty good. That makes you win a lot of matches, even if you are not playing your best tennis.”
Rybakina, always a favorite
“Her serve is one of the best shots currently in women’s tennis, I love watching it. She lost that Australian Open second round match to Anna Blinkova and played one of the most memorable tie breaks you’ll ever see. She is a threat to win every tournament she plays.”
Zheng, a not so unexpected gem
“You could see it coming for a while. Her working relationship with Pere Riba is a good match and I was glad they got back together. The problem with her service is a little worrying, but she is 21 years old. I thought she handled the pressure very well in Melbourne.”
Raducanu and his need for trust
“I find this era of tennis very demanding on the joints, so I want to see how it stands the test of time. There is some history that shows some players never fully regain their form, but all indications are that Raducanu is fully motivated to become a successful player again. Although it has been more than two years since she won the US Open, that streak should give her confidence that she can compete with the best players in the world when she is healthy.”
2024-03-05 23:57:11
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