Ajla Tomljanovic vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

The first-round of Indian Wells sees Ajla Tomljanovic take on Elena-Gabriela Ruse. 

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time:

Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Ajla Tomljanovic vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse ticket information

Ajla Tomljanovic vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse prediction

Ajla Tomljanovic showed some very positive signs in Austin last week, defeating Venus Williams and Australian Open quarter-finalist and second seed Iva Jovic to make her first quarter-final of the season. She was unable to go further after a loss to compatriot Kimberly Birrell in the last eight. 

Her opponent is Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The Romanian performed well at the Australian Open as she reached the third-round. However, her form at the other tournaments this year have been largely poor, with no main draw victories. Ruse’s home event in Cluj-Napoca ended at the first-round stage, while her most recent tournament saw her qualify for the Dubai Tennis Championships, losing in round one to Emma Navarro.

They have already played against each other this season, with Ruse defeating Tomljanovic in the second-round of the Australian Open. However, there have been contrasting fortunes for both over the last six weeks, and Tomljanovic will be confident of exacting revenge here.

Ajla Tomljanovic vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse tip: Ajla Tomljanovic to win