TennisSection previews the 2023 WTA Indian Wells tournament as Victoria Azarenka takes on Karolina Muchova in the second round on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka is an outsider to win her third title at Indian Wells. But with a treacherous draw, in which she opens up against the perpetually tough Karolina Muchova, it could be very difficult for the Belarusian to go deep this fortnight. So who will prevail?
Victoria Azarenka vs. Karolina Muchova Match Preview
Victoria Azarenka has rolled back the years and is targeting to return to the upper echelons of women’s tennis. Currently ranked 14th in the world ahead of her Indian Wells opener, Azarenka is 10-5 for the season, and memorably reached the semifinal of the Australian Open at 33. The Belarusian is still a force to be reckoned with, and is an outsider to win her third title in these parts.
Karolina Muchova, meanwhile, won her opening match at the 2023 Indian Wells, beating Yulia Putintseva in three sets. Muchova is a fine shotmaker, with artistic skills from the baseline, although injuries have held her from reaching her full potential. Expect the Czech to give Azarenka a run for her money.
Victoria Azarenka vs. Karolina Muchova Prediction and Pick
Victoria Azarenka leads Karolina Muchova 1-0 in their head-to-head, winning a round of 16 match at the 2020 US Open. It was that year that Azarenka reached her first Grand Slam final as a mother, losing to Naomi Osaka in three sets. Azarenka is still a vicious competitor and hasn’t regressed a lot from her peak. This will be a tricky one for Vika, particularly if Muchova can bring her full repertoire here, as the Czech has the potential to at least bag a set here.
Free Tennis Prediction and Pick: Victoria Azarenka in 3 sets
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