Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Indian Wells Masters
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka on and what time does it start? Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka will take place on Thursday 10th March, 2022 – not before 23:00 (UK)
Where is Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka taking place? Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka being played on? Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka
What channel is Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka on in the UK? Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka will be televised live on the Amazon Prime app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Sloane Stephens vs Naomi Osaka live on Prime Video
THE LOWDOWN
SLOANE STEPHENS
Former world number three Sloane Stephens won her seventh WTA title, and her first since the Miami Open in 2018, at the Guadalajara Open two weeks ago. The 28-year-old is a Grand Slam champion from the US Open in 2017 but she was also a Roland-Garros and WTA Finals runner-up in 2018. Stephens’ reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells in 2014.
NAOMI OSAKA
Former world number one Naomi Osaka is back at Indian Wells for the first time in two years as she continues her comeback trail on tour. The 24-year-old lost in the third round of the Australian Open last month to Amanda Anisimova and with it her ranking points from her fourth Grand Slam title won there back in 2021. Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka’s last three WTA titles have been Grand Slams, with Indian Wells in 2018 one of her two Masters titles.
THE PREDICTION
This is the clear highlight on the WTA side of the draw at Indian Wells between two US Open champions in 2017 winner Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka, who won the event in 2018 and 2020. Osaka’s current ranking has dropped considerably after she lost her points from the 2021 Australian Open title whilst Stephens’ has increased significantly after a first title win in almost four years two weeks ago in Guadalajara. On their respective days, though, the pair are players of the very highest quality and this match-up looked set to become a real rivalry after Stephens’ second of two victories over Osaka came at the WTA Finals in 2018. Osaka is yet to beat Stephens and the American’s form from Guadalajara makes her the favourite on paper. However, Osaka is the more dependable performer of the two and backing her to win at least a set, even in defeat, is the sensible option here.
