It promises to be a terrific day of WTA action on Day 1 in Indian Wells. Paula Badosa will hope to put any injury fears behind her with a strong run at the prestigious tournament. The Spaniard is set to battle Yulia Putintseva for a place in the next round. We here at LWOT cover all the action on the slate, including Sloane Stephens vs Camila Osorio, in our articles–but which players do you think will win?
WTA Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Marina Stakusic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Potapova is more experienced and has enjoyed a more accomplished career. However, Stakusic won both her qualifying matches comprehensively, and Potapova fell in the opening round at her last two tournaments. The Canadian usually plays best against opponents who do not strike the ball with much power. That could leave her defense-minded opponent in a vulnerable position.
Prediction: Stakusic in 2
Tatjana Maria vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Cirstea 4-1 Maria
Cirstea, who will retire at the end of this season, played some of her best tennis in years during the opening months of 2026. That included winning her home title in Cluj-Napoca. She has also handled Maria’s variety well in their previous matches. The Romanian seems to have a different mindset this year, and I believe she will hit through Maria to win again.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Ann Li vs Talia Gibson
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gibson, who generated attention for almost defeating Diana Shnaider at the Australian Open, impressed in her qualifying triumphs to set up this meeting. Despite the 21-year-old’s undoubted talent, Li is backed in this matchup. I feel the American will successfully use her powerful forehand and bully Gibson in enough rallies. She also played well in her recent close defeats to Linda Noskova and Zeynep Sonmez and feels due a victory.
Prediction: Li in 3
Paula Badosa vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Badosa 4-1 Putintseva
Hopefully, Badosa is fully fit after retiring from her last match at the Dubai Tennis Championships against Elina Svitolina. Even if ready, the Spaniard will likely be at least somewhat tested by Putintseva, who has played much better so far this season after a terrible 2025. Those factors are still not enough for me to predict against Badosa, who is a significantly better player than Putintseva when near her best.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports