2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens will make her first appearance since the Australian Open on Day 1 of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells. The home favorite faces a tough battle against the gritty and determined Camila Osorio. That is one of four matches predicted here. As always, we here at LWOT predict the rest of the action, including Paula Badosa vs Yulia Putintseva and Bianca Andreescu vs Kamilla Rakhimova, in our articles.

WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Ella Seidel vs Anastasia Zakharova

Head-to-head: Seidel 1-0 Zakharova

Zakharova has been quite impressive this season. Former Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Pliskova and Beatriz Haddad Maia are among her conquests. Despite that, I narrowly favor Seidel in this matchup. The German possesses a crafty style that is suited to disrupting Zakharova’s clean hitting, and I think that will prove decisive.
Prediction: Seidel in 3

Alycia Parks vs Himeno Sakatsume

Head-to-head: First meeting

Parks has lost her last couple of matches in straight sets since having a good run at the Qatar Open. The American is prone to lengthy streaks of defeats after a strong tournament, making this an important contest for her. Although Saktasume possesses talent, Parks should view a matchup against the world No. 136 as an ideal chance to get back on track. She is backed to overwhelm the Japanese player with her power.
Prediction: Parks in 2

Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

Head-to-head: Bouzas Maneiro 1-0 Haddad Maia

There will likely be many lengthy rallies between these two. Haddad Maia has not rebounded yet in 2026 after a disappointing 2025. That leaves her vulnerable against an opponent who continues to make steady improvements. The Haddad Maia of 2024 would likely wear down Bouzas Maneiro, but she has generally not had those fighting qualities in recent times.
Prediction: Bouzas Maneiro in 3

Sloane Stephens vs Camila Osorio

Head-to-head: First meeting

Stephens won her first matches since Wimbledon last year at the Australian Open before taking another break from the WTA Tour. The former World No. 3 cannot afford any rust against Osorio, whose defensive skills and fighting spirit are positioned to take advantage. Although Stephens impressed at the Australian Open, I feel Osorio is not a suitable player for her to play after over a month out since the season’s opening Grand Slam.
Prediction: Osorio in 3

Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports