BNP Paribas Open Match Preview
Pegula and Svitolina have met in some important moments over the years. In the fourth round at the Australian Open in 2021, Pegula won in three sets. She did the same thing when they played in the third round at the US Open in 2023. But Svitolina turned the tables in what may have been their biggest match, at the Paris Olympics last summer.
How about Indian Wells? Their one meeting in the desert bodes well for Pegula—she won it 6-1, 6-1 when the tournament was held in the fall of 2021 due to the pandemic. Pegula also comes into this match with a significantly higher ranking (No. 4 to No. 23), and a title run last week in Austin. Yet Svitolina looked sharp in her straight-set win over Danielle Collins on Sunday.
The American and the Ukrainian are similar physically, and they win in similar ways. Not with their serve, but with a hard-working blend of pace and consistency from the ground. Most days, Pegula hits a little harder, a little deeper, and with a little precision. Winner: Pegula—Steve Tignor
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