2021 Indian Wells Masters Round of 16 – Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich on and what time does it start? Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich will take place on Tuesday 12th October, 2021 – not before 20:15 (UK)
Where is Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich taking place? Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich being played on? Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
What channel is Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich on? Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Victoria Azarenka vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
World number 100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich is no pushover considering her career-high WTA ranking is 30th from three years ago but the 27-year-old continues to surprise at Indian Wells. Without dropping a set so far she has taken out two Grand Slam champions in Emma Raducanu and, most impressively, the 11th seed Simona Halep to reach the round of 16 at a Masters tournament for a first time. She faces fellow Belarussian Victoria Azarenka for the first time after the former world number one came through a brilliant battle with Petra Kvitova. 32-year-old Azarenka is a two-time Indian Wells champion from 2012 and 2016 as well as a two-time Australian Open champion and a three-time US Open finalist with a total of 21 WTA titles to her name so far.
THE PREDICTION
This could be a thrilling match if Victoria Azarenka does not come flying out of the blocks against her compatriot Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The younger Belarussian’s victory over Emma Raducanu could be explained away as a big mental climb-down for the Brit following her US Open victory last month but to beat Simona Halep, not quite up to fitness aside, in two sets is exceptional work. Sasnovich has gained new fans this week at Indian Wells, particularly with her post-match interviews, and it would not be a surprise to see her hauled over the line here after what she has achieved so far. Azarenka is a consummate champion, though, and still the likeliest woman to come through to the quarter-finals. Inside an accumulator, take Azarenka to win at least a set for a cautious pick indeed. Outside, take Sasnovich to win at least a set for a more valuable risk. Neither player has dropped a set yet, making three here look a spot of guesswork.
