Indian Wells Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

By Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has covered almost every Olympic sport, but Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field have his heart.

Published at :March 10, 2024 at 2:05 AM

Modified at :March 10, 2024 at 2:05 AM

(Courtesy : India Today/Tennis upto date)

This is the first meeting between both players.

The Indian Wells Open 2024 is set to witness an intriguing Round of 64 clash between the formidable World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and the rising star Peyton Stearns, ranked No. 64. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive play and powerful strokes, is coming off a less-than-ideal performance at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she was upset by Donna Vekic despite having an early lead.

However, Sabalenka’s season has been marked by high points, including a stellar defense of her Australian Open title, where she dominated the court without dropping a single set, showcasing the form that has made her one of the most feared competitors on the tour.

On the other side of the net, Peyton Stearns, a promising talent from the United States, has been steadily climbing the ranks. Her recent victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the first round at Indian Wells displayed her growing confidence and skill on the court. Stearns, who has shown she can challenge higher-ranked players, will be looking to make a statement against the top-tier competition.

Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns Preview

Aryna Sabalenka, who has been in formidable form this season, notably clinched the Australian Open title, dispatching opponents without losing a set. Her ability on hard courts is reflected in her impressive 11-2 win-loss record for the year, underscoring her dominance on the surface.

Despite a hiccup at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she succumbed to Donna Vekic after a promising start, Sabalenka’s overall career statistics—boasting a 329-156 win-loss record and a particularly strong 200-87 on hard courts—reaffirm her status as a top contender.

Peyton Stearns, on the other hand, is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Her straight-sets victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the first round was proof of her aggressive gameplay, highlighted by 27 winners. Stearns’ service game, depicted by a 58% first serve percentage and resilience in saving break points, suggests a player ready to challenge the upper echelons of the tennis hierarchy.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 0

Aryna Sabalenka – 1

Peyton Stearns –1

Aryna Sabalenka will face Peyton Stearns in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open, marking their first career meeting.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Aryna Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns, second round match, in Indian Wells Open 2024 in India, UK, and USA?

Tennis fans in India can watch the Indian Wells Open 2024, also known as the BNP Paribas Open, live on SonyLiv and the Sony TV channels. In the UK and the US, live coverage is available on Sky Sports Tennis and the Tennis Channel, respectively

Date/Match Timings

India: 10th March (7:30 Am IST: Tentative)

USA: 9th March (6:00 Pm UTC: Tentative)

UK: 10th March (2:05 Pm GMT: Tentative)

Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka is favored to win against Stearns based on a comprehensive analysis of their recent performances and playing styles. Sabalenka’s slight advantage in second serve points won and her formidable return game, particularly on second serves, underscores her aggressive baseline play. Her resilience is evident in her breakpoint save rate of 63.11%, and a match-win rate of 77.94% over the past year highlights her consistency.

Sabalenka’s experience at the Masters series level, with a 70.97% win rate, and her superior performance on hard courts, where she has a 72% win rate, align with her powerful playing style. These statistics suggest that Sabalenka will not only create but also capitalize on opportunities more effectively than Stearns, especially if she can leverage her strong serve and return game to control the match and keep Stearns under constant pressure.

Result: Sabalenka to win in straight sets

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Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.