Day 8 of the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells will see the conclusion of the round of 16, with former champions Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina among many other great players taking to the court in what should be another great day of tennis in the California desert as we head into the business end of the tournament.

WTA Indian Wells Day 8 Predictions
Sonay Kartal vs Elena Rybakina

Head-to-head: first meeting

Kartal has had an extraordinary run so far here, but Rybakina is still a significant step up in level. She has become one of the most consistent WTA top players, she has already won the Australian Open this year and is unlikely to be stopped here as she looks aims for another big title and for points to challenge Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek for the #1 ranking.

Prediction: Rybakina in 2

Jessica Pegula vs Belinda Bencic

Head-to-head: Bencic 4-0 Pegula

Pegula has never got a win in this matchup, but their last match dates back almost three years now. With the great form Pegula has been showing this year so far, this might well be the chance to finally get a win over Bencic, even if the latter will certainly be confident given how well she has been playing herself and her history in this matchup.

Prediction: Pegula in 3

Katerina Siniakova vs Elina Svitolina

Head-to-head: Svitolina 4-0 Siniakova

Svitolina has been playing great tennis in 2026 and, at least on paper, she has a fantastic draw to make another deep run here. She’s clearly the better player here and has a decisive head-to-head advantage over Siniakova. Under normal circumstances, Svitolina should be the one advancing here.

Prediction: Svitolina in 2~

Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova

Head-to-head: Swiatek 4-2 Muchova

Swiatek might no longer have the aura of dominance she once had, but she remains an incredibly consistent player, fighting for every big title and generally very tough to beat. Muchova has been playing great and if she replicates the kind of level that took her to the title in Doha she can definitely win here, but Swiatek has the slight edge here all things considered.

Prediction: Swiatek in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images