World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s WTA Indian Wells campaign will continue on Sunday. She faces an intriguing battle against the talented Romanian player, Jaqueline Cristian. Jasmine Paolini and Linda Noskova are among the others set to be in action. We at LWOT predict the other WTA matches, including Coco Gauff vs Ekaterina Alexandrova, separately. Which players do you think will reach the next round?

WTA Indian Wells Day 5 Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Talia Gibson

Head-to-head: First meeting

Gibson did a masterful job of disarming Ekaterina Elxandrova’s power in the last round. She faces a similar task against Tauson, who strikes the ball even harder. Although the 21-year-old might need to play even better here, she is better suited to playing big hitters rather than generating pace herself. I think the Australian will win again.
Prediction: Gibson in 3

Linda Noskova vs Sorana Cirstea

Head-to-head: Noskova 1-1 Cirstea

Cirstea has produced some of the best tennis of her career in her farewell season. Regardless of the final result, the Romanian will not be intimidated by playing against a fellow powerful hitter, especially since she beat Noskova a few weeks ago at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The conditions suit the veteran’s game, and she has a good chance of overcoming another higher-ranked opponent.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2

Jasmine Paolini vs Ajla Tomljanovic

Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Tomljanovic

Paolini recovered from a poor opening set against Anastasia Potapova in the previous round. The 2024 Wimbledon runner-up could be in trouble if she starts that badly against Tomljanovic, who is inconsistent but very good at her best. Although I do not trust Tomljanovic enough to back an upset, do not be surprised if this is a competitive and tight battle.
Prediction: Paolini in 3

Aryna Sabalenka vs Jaqueline Cristian

Prediction: First meeting

Cristian, despite being talented, has no chance of triumphing unless Sabalenka performs far below her best. The world No. 35 got a very good win against Maya Joint in the previous round and sits just two places below her career-high ranking. Unfortunately for her, upsetting Sabalenka in the early stages of a significant hard-court event is the toughest challenge in women’s tennis. An upset is highly unlikely.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images