Indian Wells Open 2024: Coco Gauff vs Maria Sakkari preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Published at :March 15, 2024 at 6:22 PM

Modified at :March 15, 2024 at 6:22 PM

(Courtesy : People/India Today)

Gauff has reached maiden Indian Wells semifinal

As the Indian Wells Open 2024 approaches its climax, some high-stakes matches remain. Despite numerous upsets in women’s singles, two of the top five seeds have advanced to the semifinals. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is set to face Marta Kostyuk in the first semifinal, while US Open champion and No. 3 seed Coco Gauff will compete against the ninth-ranked Maria Sakkari in the second semifinal of the Indian Wells Masters 2024.

Gauff secured her semifinal berth by defeating Yue Yuan in straight sets. Meanwhile, Sakkari, hailing from Greece, overcame Emma Navarro after losing the first set, continuing her impressive run during her fortnight in the Coachella Valley.

Coco Gauff vs Maria Sakkari Preview

Coco Gauff is coming off a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win against Elise Mertens in the Round of 16. The young American started her season with a remarkable comeback victory over Clara Burel, overcoming a first-set deficit to win 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). The 20-year-old then secured wins over Lucia Bronzetti (6-2, 7-6(5)) and Mertens, before defeating Yue Yuan 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals. Gauff has amassed 16 wins this season.

Maria Sakkari on the other hand secured the semifinal spot on her return to the BNP Paribas Open, often referred to as the Indian Wells Open after a hard-fought victory over Emma Navarro, with the final score reading 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The match lasted 2 hours and 54 minutes. Before this, Sakkari had notable wins over Russian Diana Shnaider (5-7, 6-4, 6-0), 20th seed Caroline Garcia (6-3, 6-4), and Diane Parry (6-2, 3-6, 6-3), setting up the semifinal clash with Gauff.

Head-to-head records

Matches played – 7

Coco Gauff – 3

Maria Sakkari – 4

Sakkari and Gauff have met each other seven times in their career with the Greek leading the head-to-head record 4-3. However, The American Prodigy has won her last two encounters.

Where and how to watch the live streaming and TV broadcast of Coco Gauff vs Maria Sakkari, Indian Wells Open 2024 in India?

Tennis enthusiasts in India can look forward to the upcoming match featuring two of the sport’s rising stars. The Sony Network is set to broadcast the event live, offering comprehensive coverage across its television channels and on its streaming platform, SonyLiv. Additionally, fans can stream the match on Tennis TV. The Match is scheduled for 16th March (6:30 Am IST: Tentative)

Prediction

Maria Sakkari, the 2022 runner-up, has a wealth of experience in the WTA 1000 semifinals, this being her tenth. Despite a recent slump against top ten players and a string of three-set losses, her victory at the United Cup and consecutive wins at Indian Wells signal a return to form. Her head-to-head advantage over Gauff could play a psychological role, potentially propelling her to her fourth WTA 1000 final.

Conversely, Gauff’s ascent to her first Indian Wells semifinal marks a significant milestone in her growing career. The 2024 Australian Open semifinalist and US Open champion has demonstrated remarkable technical skill, a powerful serve, and efficient groundstrokes. Her rapid improvement and decision-making abilities on the court also make her a formidable opponent.

In this high-stakes encounter, Sakkari’s experience might give her an initial edge, but Gauff’s momentum and technical skills cannot be underestimated. It’s a classic battle of experience versus youth, and while Sakkari will leverage her powerful forehand rallies, Gauff’s all-around game and quick thinking may very well see her through to the final. Expect a closely contested match with both players showcasing their strengths, but Gauff’s recent major win and continuous improvement give her a slight edge in this seminal clash.

Result: Gauff in three

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