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One of the ties of the Round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s Indian Wells Open sees the ex-world number 1 Petra Kvitova taking on the top American and world number 3 Jessica Pegula. Read on as we preview this clash that promises to be a close-fought affair.
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
Petra Kvitova vs Jessica Pegula – Match Predictions
Contents
This could be a classic contest and there are plenty of other excellent ties scheduled for Indian Wells today. Read up on our tennis predictions for Tuesday’s matches ahead of getting some more specifics on our tips for the Kvitova vs Pegula clash.
Pegula to Win
The world number 3 Pegula had to come from a set down in both her Indian Wells matches so far. Both against the ever dangerous Giorgi and the number 26 seed Potasova she had to show character and fighting spirit. Pegula is yet to really impress, despite being seen as one of the main favourites for the title before the competition began.
The American is bound to start playing better soon though and we think a test against a player of Kvitova’s caliber is just what Pegula needs to show her best tennis.
Kvitova herself was a bit lucky to progress past the 24th seed Ostapenko in round 3, with the Czech dropping the first set 0-6 before eventually edging the decider 6-4. Kvitova is yet to play more than 3 matches in the same tournament this calendar year.
Set 1 After 2 Games 1-1
We have utmost respect for both players and we think they will show the same to each other. That’s why our prediction is that after 2 games the result will be 1-1. Both Kvitova and Pegula made slow starts in their previous matches and we think they both will be focused on starting much better when they face each other.
Petra Kvitova vs Jessica Pegula Preview
Both players know each other well and this will be their fifth meeting, with all 4 previous matchups also on outdoor hard courts.
Petra Kvitova
The 33-year-old veteran Kvitova climbed back to the world top 15 after some solid runs in 2022. Kvitova’s form in 2023 hadn’t been that great though and she is yet to play more than 3 matches in any tournament.
The Czech opened her 2023 Indian Wells charge with an easy matchup. She faced the American Mandik and won 6-1, 7-5. The second set was not great and Kvitova looked shaky. She then came back from a deep hole to beat Ostapenko in round 3 – 0-6, 6-0, 6-4. Again the display lacked conviction, especially early on.
Jessica Pegula
Pegula is having a solid year so far. She reached the Australian Open quarterfinals. Then made it to the Doha final where the world number 1 Swiatek beat her. Pegula also reached the Dubai semifinal right before this tournament started.
Combination of nerves and some sloppy serving early in the matches saw Pegula needing comeback wins in both her Indian Wells tests so far. After dropping the first set against Giorgi the American was convincing and she won the next 2 sets 6-1, 6-2. In her last match she had to show much more character to overcome Potapova 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Kvitova vs Pegula Head to Head
Kvitova leads the H2H 3-1. The Czech won the first 2 meeting between the players in 2020 and 2021 in straight sets. Pegula then got on the board when achieving an easy win during the 2022 US Open. Kvitova reclaimed her 2-match lead in this duel in January with a tough win during the Union Cup.
Petra Kvitova vs Jessica Pegula Match Details
- When is the match going to be played? The match is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14th.
- Where I can watch it in the UK? Amazon Prime is the place to watch every Indian Wells match.
- Who is the bookies’ favourite for the upcoming match? Pegula is seen as the clear favourite in this fixture.
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