Ana Ivanovic vs Karolina Pliskova, Indian Wells R3 Preview

Indian Wells R3: (14) Ana Ivanovic vs (18) Karolina Pliksova

Ana Ivanovic and Karolina Pliskova will renew hostilities on Monday when they clash in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Karolina Pliskova has dominated Ivanovic, leading the head-to-head series between the pair 3-0. However, Pliskova’s recent form has generally been quite poor meaning this could be a perfect opportunity for Ivanovic to claim her first career victory over the Czech.

Ana Ivanovic’s results are continuing to improve in season 2016, encouraging signs for the Serb. After receiving a bye into the second round, Ivanovic did well to advance through to the third round in Indian Wells, coming from a set down and saving 2 match points to defeat a red-hot Camila Giorgi 2-6 6-2 7-6. Giorgi threw absolutely everything at Ivanovic and was ahead for most of the match but Ivanovic managed to absorb the pressure and was ultimately the more stable of the pair. Ivanovic will face a similar test in the third round when she comes up against Karolina Pliskova, another thunderous striker of the ball.

Karolina Pliskova arrived in Indian Wells on the back of 2 consecutive opening rounding losses. The Czech has rarely played her best tennis in season 2016 but made an encouraging start to her BNP Paribas Open campaign. Pliskova recorded a comfortable 6-2 6-4 win over Shelby Rogers to set up a third round clash with Ana Ivanovic, an opponent Pliskova has played great tennis against in recent times.

Karolina Pliskova has a perfect 3-0 head-to-head record against Ana Ivanovic, winning all 3 matches on a hard court. The most recent clash between the pair was in Sydney earlier this year, Pliskova won that match quite comfortably 6-4 6-2. Ivanovic has really struggled in this match-up and will be keen to make amends for that at a tournament where she is a former champion.

I believe this is a great opportunity for Ivanovic to claim her first victory over Pliskova. The Czech hasn’t been in good form in season 2016 and will really need to step up her game for this match because Ivanovic seems to be finding her range. The conditions in Indian Wells should help Ivanovic in this match-up, the courts are quite slow and Ivanovic has had success at this event in the past. Ivanovic is also likely to feel a little freer having come through such a tough opening match where she saved multiple match points, this could really work in her favour.

Prediction: Ana Ivanovic to defeat Karolina Pliskova in 3 sets

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