2024 Indian Wells: Preview and Order of Play for March 12th ft Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Ben Shelton, and Caroline Wozniacki

The 7th day of the 2024 Indian Wells Open will see many top seeds in action. As the tournament moves towards the business end, the spots for the next rounds are getting reduced. Day 7 will see the fourth round matches being played in the first half of women’s and second half of men’s singles draw.

Day 6 confirmed the remaining spots to lock the entire line-up for the round of 16. The men’s draw is dominated by seeds with a rare exception. The women’s draw has remained exciting with a healthy mix of seeded and non-seeded players making it into the second week of the tournament.

In men’s, defending champ Carlos Alcaraz will be in action today. Italian No. 1 Jannik Sinner will also take the court. Elsewhere, young guns Ben Shelton and Alex de Minaur will also battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.

In women’s, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek will be seen returning to the court. Former finalist Angelique Kerber and 2011 champ Caroline Wozniacki will also take the court eyeing the last-8 spot.

Schedule for the day (Men)

Schedule for the day (Women)

Some exciting matches to look out for:

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Fabian Marozsan

The defending champ has a lot of work to do in order to retain his ranking points to stay in touching distance of current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Fabian Marozsan has been a surprise entry in the fourth round.

The Hungarian currently leads their head-to-head 1-0 and has a golden chance to keep his lead. With Alcaraz shrugging off his injury concerns, he could well settle the score to move into the last 8.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 3.

Iga Swiatek vs. Yulia Putintseva

The World No. 1 has been flawless so far this week in Indian Wells. With two bagels already served in as many matches from the famous ‘Swiatek bakery’, she is yet to drop a set. But the same is the case for Yulia Putintseva, who makes it to the fourth round on the back of three consecutive straight-set wins.

The Pole currently holds a 2-0 lead over the Kazakhstani, having won both her matches in straight sets. With an eye on the quarter-final spot and wanting to register her first win, Putintseva could put in a big performance in hopes of stunning the World No. 1.

Prediction: Swiatek in 2.

Alexander Zverev vs. Alex de Minaur

A ninth encounter between Alexander Zverev and Aussie No. 1 Alex de Minaur is confirmed. The German currently leads the head-to-head 6-2. But their last encounter took place this season where de Minaur was the victorious player.

Both the players have put in some big performances this week. The German comes from a straight-set win over Tallon Griekspoor where he had to show his clutch defensive game on various occasions. de Minaur overpowered Alexander Bublik, dropping a bagel to close the match in straight sets.

Prediction: Alex de Minaur in 3.

Angelique Kerber vs. Caroline Wozniacki

A battle of veterans is confirmed to take place as former World No. 1s Wozniacki and Kerber will lock horns. Both the ladies are currently ranked outside the Top 200. While the German is returning after her maternity break, the Dane has come out of retirement and looks to find her way back.

This will be the 16th meeting between the two former Australian Open singles title winners. Kerber currently leads 8-7. This will also be their second meeting in Indian Wells having previously met in the semis of 2013 edition. Wozniacki won the tie before finishing runner-up for the second time at the event.

Prediction: Kerber in 3.

Jannik Sinner vs. Ben Shelton

Probably the biggest clash of the day, young guns Sinner and Shelton will square off for the third time in their careers. The head-to-head is currently tied at 1-1. The Italian has continued his exceptional form and hasn’t dropped a set so far this week in the Californian desert.

As for Shelton, he has been taken to the third set in both of his matches so far. But the southpaw has somehow found a way at all times despite massive heckling. With huge potential at each player’s disposal, the match is sure to bring in some big fireworks.

Prediction: Sinner in 3.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: Comeback queen Naomi Osaka hits ‘thunderous’ jackknife backhand against Elise Mertens at 2024 Indian Wells
• WATCH: “How can you not make that judgment? Are you kidding me or what?” Novak Djokovic gets into an argument with the chair umpire at Indian Wells over a controversial hindrance call

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