Indian Wells 2022: Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari Match Preview, Head-To-Head, Prediction And Livestream Details

Match Details

• Match: Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari.
• Tournament: Indian Wells 2022 / BNP Paribas Open 2022.
• Date: 20th March 2022.
• Time: TBD.
• Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California.
• Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.
• Round: Final.
• Category: WTA 1000.
• Prize money: $8,369,455.

Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari Preview

Iga Swiatek will face Maria Sakkari in the final of the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. Swiatek is ranked No. 4 in the world, whereas Sakkari is ranked No. 6 worldwide.

Swiatek has come a long way since she made a name for herself at the tender age of 19 by winning the French Open 2020. With the poise of a veteran and the shots of a champion, 19-year-old Iga Swiatek inscribed her name in tennis fans' hearts. Afterwards, from reaching the Semifinals of Adelaide international and the Australian Open 2022 to establishing her dominance over the Qatar Open, Swiatek has been in tremendous form. She advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Open after defeating Anhelina Kalinina, Clara Tauson, and former World No. 1, Angelique Kerber. The Pole won all three matches after coming back from a set down.

However, former world No. 1 Simona Halep awaited her in the semifinals, posing the tournament's toughest fight for the pole. But, that did not stop Swiatek from outlasting Halep in straight sets (7-6(8-6), 6-4) to move one step closer to the trophy.

This year, Maria Sakkari has also had some impressive results. She reached the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Qatar and was a finalist in St. Petersburg. Previously the Greek was upset by Viktorija Golubic in the Indian Wells tournament. However, this year, she has rectified her mistakes. After an opening-round bye, the World No. 6 defeated Czech players Katerina Siniakova, Two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova and Daria Saville in the second third and fourth rounds, respectively.

Afterwards, Sakkari defeated World No. 20 Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, allowing herself to compete in the semifinals against defending winner Paula Badosa. Nonetheless, the World No. 6 gave it her all in the match, defeating the Spaniard 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, and advancing to the biggest final of her career so far.

Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari Head-To-Head Records

Sunday's contest will be the 5th meeting between the two players. In the head-to-head, Sakkari has a 3-1 advantage over Swiatek. The last time that they encountered each other, Swiatek won the match 6-4, 6-3, in the 2022 Qatar Open.

Read more: Indian Wells 2022: 5 players who can take the trophy home (Female)

Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari: Who Will Be The Ultimate Winner ?

This could turn out to be a super thrilling contest as both Swiatek and Sakkari have been playing at a high level over the past few weeks. Considering her current form and ranking, Swiatek will enter the match as the overwhelming favourite.

Maria Sakkari, meanwhile, is more inclined towards power tennis and she could trouble the Pole with her great serves and powerful groundstrokes. However, Swiatek's algorithm has also altered recently, and she is now playing considerably more aggressively. That would undoubtedly work in her favour. Nevertheless, if all goes well, she will be able to win the match with her powerful cross-court backhands.

Our Prediction: Iga Swiatek will win in straight sets.

Read more: All Grand-Slams To Implement 10-Point Tie-Breaks In Final Set, 70-68 Will Never Happen Again

Iga Swiatek's Previous best Performances in Indian Wells

The World No. 4 had previously advanced to the fourth round of the Indian Wells in 2021.

Maria Sakkari's Previous best Performances in Indian Wells

Previously, she reached the Round of 16 in the Indian Wells 2018 where her run was cut short by Japan's Naomi Osaka.

Iga Swiatek Vs Maria Sakkari: Where To Watch?

However, all of the action will be broadcasted live for spectators in the following countries, on the following networks and websites:

• USA: Viewers in the United States can catch all the action on Tennis Channel.
• UK: Enthusiasts in the United Kingdom can watch the action live on Amazon Prime Video.

Live streaming will also be available on the Official 2022 BNP Paribas Open mobile app for fans who are onsite at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, apart from the ATP tour, WTA tour and Tennis Channel Plus apps.