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Match details
Fixture: (15) Petra Kvitova vs (24) Jelena Ostapenko.
Date: March 12, 2023.
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open.
Round: Third round (Round of 32).
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA.
Category: WTA 1000.
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt.
Prize money: $8,800,000.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Ostapenko preview
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will take on 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in the third round of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.
Following a first-round bye, Kvitova faced Elizabeth Mandlik in the second round. The Czech completely outclassed her opponent in the first set by handing out a breadstick to claim it.
Mandlik raised her level at the start of the second set as she secured a break of serve to go 2-0 up. Kvitova got back on serve by bagging the next three games in a row. The American youngster once again managed to pull ahead as she clinched the next three games to lead 5-3.
The momentum swung in Kvitova's favor after that. She reeled off the next four consecutive games to win the match 6-1, 7-5. She'll now be aiming to make it past the third round here for the first time since 2016.
Meanwhile, Ostapenko received a first-round bye as well and kicked off her campaign here against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round. The Latvian raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set, but her opponent dug deep to level the score.
With Sasanovich serving to stay in the set at 6-5, she valiantly fought off three break points before Ostapenko managed to break her serve to bag the set. The Belarusian stepped up her game in the next set as she jumped to a 5-2 lead.
Sasnovich failed to serve out the set at that juncture. However, she nipped Ostapenko's comeback in the bud by breaking her serve in the next game to take the set.
The former French Open champion struck first in the decider to go 3-0 up. Sasnovich snapped her momentum by claiming the next two games, but Ostapenko wasn't to be denied. She secured the next three games to win the match 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.
Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Ostapenko head-to-head
Kvitova leads Ostapenko 5-4 in the head-to-head. She won their last meeting at the 2022 Eastbourne International in straight sets.
Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Ostapenko odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Petra Kvitova vs Jelena Ostapenko prediction
After a dominant first set, things got a little dicey for Kvitova in the second set, but managed to regain control in time. She feasted on Mandlik's serve in the previous round, and given Ostapenko's own service woes, the Czech will be prepared to do the same.
Ostapenko needed to dig deep to move past Sasnovich. Up against a familiar rival in the form of Kvitova, the Latvian will need to raise her level going forward. Both players are big-hitters and will be looking to take control of the rallies from the get go.
Their previous matches have been exciting to witness and this contest could be another masterclass in ball-striking, provided both are at their best. Kvitova is able to show more restraint at times compared to Ostapenko, which could eventually be pivotal in turning the tide in her favor.
Pick: Petra Kvitova to win in three sets.
