The round of 16 is set to begin at WTA Indian Wells, and there is no shortage of good bets to be had. The round gives us a match between two top 10 players in the World rankings, a match between two top 20 players in the World, a match between two top 35 players in the World, plus another quality match featuring a top 10 player. Not a bad offering for a WTA 1000 event. Seven of the eight participants are ranked no. 32 or higher in the World rankings. You might not agree with all our picks given the match quality. Don’t be afraid to let us know in the comments if you disagree or agree!
WTA Indian Wells
Sabalenka – Osaka: Time 10:00
H2H: 3-1
Aryna Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a title at WTA Indian Wells against Naomi Osaka. Twice a finalist, Sabalenka is well-acquainted with this tournament but has yet to finish the job. While she hasn’t done it since 2018, Osaka knows exactly what it feels like to win this tournament. Sabalenka has lost exactly once in 2026, and that was the Australian Open final against Elena Rybakina. She’s won 13 games, and Osaka checks in at 5-2, and hasn’t come close to winning a title this year.
Best Bet to Make
There should be little shock when I tell you that Sabalenka is a sizeable favorite in this match. While the odds for this match favor Sabalenka 6.15-1 at its highest, the average odds are 5.58-1.14 in her favor. If you absolutely must take a flier on Osaka winning this match, do it for 6.28 on Pinnacle. If you’re not doing anything silly like that, I would recommend Sabalenka 2:0 for 1.51 on 1xBet.
That being said, Sabalenka winning 2:0 is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Sabalenka winning 2:0 @1.51 @1xBet
Gibson – Paolini: Time 12:00
H2H: 0-0
Talia Gibson meets Jasmine Paolini in the only match not featuring two opponents inside the top 33 in the World rankings. While her ranking may not be as high as the others, Gibson is 16-5 in 2026, all of which took place on a hardcourt. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the fact that Gibson won most of her matches at the ITF level. I won’t take anything away from her WTA Indian Wells showing; it’s the only WTA-level tournament in which she has won more than a single game this year.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Paolini as a favorite, and I don’t disagree with their logic. I don’t agree with their decision, but I don’t disagree with the logic. Winning consistently is hard, regardless of where it’s done. Gibson has been winning this year, while Paolini has been fairly mediocre. There’s the added fact that Paolini has been struggling to advance in this tournament, and you at least have the foundation for an upset. If you’re taking Paolini, go with a 2:0 correct score bet for 1.95 on 1xBet. I’ll take a chance on the Gibson upset at 3.5 on Betway
That being said, Gibson winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Gibson winning @3.5 @Betway
Eala – Noskova: Time 19:00
H2H: 0-0
Alexandra Eala vs Linda Noskova is easily the second-best match of the day. Eala didn’t get here by accident. Sure, Gauff had the walkover, but that was after Eala had won the first set 6-2, and was already up 2-0 in the second set when Gauff had seen enough. Eala did that as a 5.2-1.2 underdog, so do not count her out of this match. Noskova is looking for her first tournament with more than two victories, and she had to play a very tight match with Sorana-Mihaela Cirstea in the last round.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Noskova as a favorite by about 1 point on average. The official average is 1.53-2.49 in favor of Noskova. Noskova has already lost as a 3-1 favorite and a 2.25-1 favorite. I think Eala might be playing better right now, as well. She has a semifinal and three quarterfinal appearances, but Noskova hasn’t even gotten out of the round of 16 at any event this year. Noskova might be the higher-ranked player, but she’s not playing like it at the current moment. Take Eala straight at 2.65 on Unibet.
That being said, Eala winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Eala winning @2.65 @Unibet
Mboko – Anisimova: Time 17:00
H2H: 0-0
Victoria Mboko vs Amanda Anisimova is our featured match of the day. Ranked no. 10 in the World, Mboko is 15-4 in 2026, having gone to two finals and a round of 16. Anisimova is the no. 6 player in the World, and she’s not quite having the same year she was last year. Anismova is 9-4 overall, but only has a semifinal and quarterfinal showing. This time last year, Anisimova had the first of her two titles in hand from WTA Doha.
Best Bet to Make
This is probably one of the toughest calls to make in this round. My head says Anisimova, but my heart says Mboko. I think Mboko is playing with more confidence and has proven to herself that she can compete at this level. That’s a tough thing to contend with when you’re struggling with your own consistency and game. That’s honestly where Anisimova is at in 2026. Until she has more confidence, she’s going to be doubted.
That being said, Mboko winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Mboko winning @2.39 @Pinnacle
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane–USA TODAY Sports