WTA BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells, California, USA.
Date(s): 9th – 20th March 2022
Event Preview
The WTA Tour moves onto America following a couple of entertaining weeks in the gulf, as Dubai and Doha hosted excellent events. Indian Wells is always seen by many in the game as one of the biggest tournaments away from the majors and once again in 2022, there are a whole host of big names looking to make a mark in California. The absence of world number one Ashleigh Barty is sure to be a boost for all in the field too, giving plenty of those on the periphery the chance to cash in this week with both ranking points and prize money.
WTA BNP Paribas Open Outright Betting
With some of the best players in the world in action, it promises to be a week of high-quality tennis at Indian Wells.
Here are some our tips for the title in California this week:
Iga Swiatek – 7/1 – Young Polish superstar Iga Swiatek has kicked on since winning her maiden Grand Slam at the French Open in 2020 and she now sits comfortably in the world’s top 10. Her win at the Qatar Open last time out was proof that she can really mix it with the big guns consistently on the WTA Tour and she could be tough to stop here.
Anett Kontaveit – 9/1 – Estonian Anett Kontaveit has progressed exponentially over the past few seasons, and she is now banging on the door of the top 5 in the world. She was undone by Iga Swiatek in the final of the Qatar Open last week, and she will be doing all she can to kick on here in Indian Wells this week.
Naomi Osaka – 10/1 – 2018 Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka has been taking a much-needed break from top level in recent months, but she will be eager to pick up a statement tournament win here in California. Hard court tennis is certainly her favoured surface, and she should be raring to go, with fans backing her to the hilt at Indian Wells.
Aryna Sabalenka – 11/1 World number three Aryna Sabalenka is the second highest ranked player in the draw, with Ashleigh Barty’s continued absence from big events due to Australian COVID restrictions. Sabalenka hasn’t been in the best of form of late, but she could enjoy playing without pressure in California this week.
Barbora Krejcikova – 12/1 – 2021 French Open champion and world number two Barbora Krejcikova has enjoyed a superb season on the WTA Tour and her transition from doubles specialist to Grand Slam singles winner has been remarkable. The Czech superstar has been consistent over the past 12 months across all aspects of her game, and she is good value to pick up another big tournament win here.
Maria Sakkari – 14/1 – Greek superstar Maria Sakkari is seeded 6th at this event in California and should come into the tournament refreshed. Her game is made for hard court tennis, and she has come on leaps and bounds at this level in 2021 and should she pick up some solid opening round wins, she could be difficult to stop.
Simona Halep – 18/1 – Experienced Romanian Simona Halep has been slowly finding her feet again on the WTA Tour after a difficult few months and she is always a contender in any event she plays. She clinched the Indian Wells title back in 2015 and has gone on to win two Grand Slam titles since, making her a genuine candidate to go all the way at Indian Wells in 2022.
2022 WTA BNP Paribas Open betxchange.com Best Bets:
Top Pick: Iga Swiatek – 7/1
Outside Punt: Maria Sakkari – 14/1
