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

Published at :March 13, 2024 at 11:26 PM

Modified at :March 13, 2024 at 11:27 PM

(Courtesy : Espn India/ India Today)

This is the first meeting between both players.

After ending Emma Raducanu’s run at the Indian Wells Open 2024 in the third round, Aryna Sabalenka is set to face another rising star, Emma Navarro. The Belarusian will compete against the American hopeful in the 2024 BNP Paribas Open, with a coveted quarter-final spot at stake.

Last year, World No. 2 Sabalenka narrowly missed the title, succumbing to Elena Rybakina in the final. However, she’s now one step closer to her first BNP Paribas Open trophy, having recently bested Raducanu. A victory here would mark her sixth WTA 1000 title.

Sabalenka’s journey to the round of 16 was hard-earned, with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over the 2021 US Open champion. It was a tense match that concluded on her fourth match point against the tenacious British player, taking 95 minutes to secure her win in their inaugural encounter.

On the other side, Emma Navarro claimed her spot in the last 16 with a three-set triumph over 2019 Indian Wells semifinalist Elina Svitolina, scoring 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. This victory marked her 17th win of the season. Earlier this year, the 22-year-old clinched her first WTA Tour singles title at Hobart International, adding to her semifinal appearances in Auckland and San Diego. Notably, Navarro’s Hobart victory came against two-time champion Elise Mertens.

Emma Navarro vs Aryna Sabalenka – Preview

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka is on a quest for her sixth WTA 1000 title at the BNP Paribas Open, having retained the Australian Open trophy and reached the Brisbane International final earlier this year. Despite a setback at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she lost to Donna Vekic, Sabalenka achieved her 175th WTA win this decade by defeating Emma Raducanu.

With five WTA 1000 titles already under her belt, Sabalenka is just two matches away from her second consecutive Indian Wells final. The absence of defending champion Elena Rybakina opens the door for a potential final against 2022 champion Iga Swiatek. With several of the top 10 seeds eliminated, a summit clash between the world’s top two players seems increasingly likely.

Meanwhile, Emma Navarro has emerged as a dark horse this season. Her victory at the 2024 Hobart International and her first-time advance to the Indian Wells round of 16 underscore her potential. Navarro also made a strong showing at the Qatar Open, pushing World No. 4 Elena Rybakina to three sets.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 0

Emma Navarro – 0

Aryna Sabalenka – 0

Sabalenka, ranked World No. 2, and Emma Navarro, ranked World No. 23, have never crossed paths before today.

The World No. 2 has a 9-4 win-loss record at the venue, making an appearance in the final last season and has played in the tournament on four different occasions. Navarro was awarded wildcards into the 2022 and 2023 editions. This year, she has made it to the main draw and is seeded 26 in the two-week event. She is 1-2 at Indian Wells.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Emma Navarro vs Aryna Sabalenka, Indian Wells Open 2024 fourth round match, in India?

Sony Network with its bouquet of television channels, its streaming service Sony Live, and Tennis TV are all viewing options that will leave the Indian tennis enthusiast spoilt for choice. Don’t miss your favourite players as the first week at Indian Wells draws to a close.

Prediction

Emma Navarro and Aryna Sabalenka have both advanced to the last 16 at Indian Wells, each eager to claim their first trophy at the event. Sabalenka’s progress could narrow the ranking gap with World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, while Navarro is poised to enter the top 20, a significant leap from her No. 143 ranking at the start of 2023.

Sabalenka will leverage her formidable serve and baseline play to challenge Navarro. Despite her ability to end rallies quickly with powerful strokes, Sabalenka’s aggressive style also results in a higher-than-average number of unforced errors and double faults. If she can control these aspects, she may dominate the match from the outset.

Statistically, Sabalenka has won an impressive 82% of her service games this season, compared to Navarro’s 67.7%. Sabalenka also leads in first serve points won, with a 74.3% success rate over Navarro’s 62.9%. However, the gap narrows in return points won, with Sabalenka at 49.1% and Navarro close behind at 46.6%.

Similarly, the difference is slight in breakpoints converted. To improve her chances, Navarro must reduce her double faults—currently at 34 compared to Sabalenka’s 27—and increase her ace count, trailing 69 to 25 against Sabalenka.

Result: Sabalenka to win in straight sets

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram