Just like on Day 3, 16 second-round matches are scheduled on Day 4 of the WTA BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. This article features #8 seed and defending champion Mirra Andreeva as she starts her campaign against Argentina’s Solana Sierra. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for all the matches, but who will advance?
WTA Indian Wells Day 4 Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Taylor Townsend
Head-to-Head: Kostyuk 1-0 Townsend
Marta Kostyuk will play her first match since the shocking first-round exit at the Australian Open. Kostyuk is a former semifinalist here and will be looking to play as she did in Brisbane at the start of the year. However, Taylor Townsend won’t be an easy opponent as the American has been brilliant since the Australian Open, and it was evident in her first-round win. Kostyuk will need her best tennis to win this match, and having not played in over a month, it won’t be easy to find that level.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-Head: Fernandez 2-1 Siniakova
This season has not gone as planned for Leylah Fernandez so far, as she is yet to win consecutive matches in a tournament. She has not won a match here since 2023 and needs to start firing again to avoid another early loss. Katerina Siniakova made a great comeback from a set and break down against Sofia Kenin in the first round and will test Fernandez to the limit. However, I expect Fernandez to play a good match and win this in three sets.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Antonia Ruzic
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Qinwen Zheng was good in her first tournament of the season in Dubai, and with over 20 days off, she should be in good shape to make a deep run here and establish herself back in the mix of top players. Antonia Ruzic has been solid this season and did well to fend off an inspired Jennifer Brady in the first round. Zheng will need to bring her best tennis to win this encounter.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Solana Sierra
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Mirra Andreeva had an incredible run at the BNP Paribas Open last year, defeating three Top 10 players en route to the title. Repeating that would be a stern task, but the 18-year-old will back herself to go all the way once again. She has an ideal opening-round match against Solana Sierra, who has never defeated a Top 40 player and will find it tough to trouble the Russian.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images