Three to See

Indian Wells Day 8 Previews: Ruud vs. Monfils, Fritz vs. Rune, Navarro vs. Sabalenka

Before each day’s play at the BNP Paribas Open, we’ll preview three must-see matches.

Published Mar 13, 2024

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Casper Ruud vs. Gael Monfils

No matter the score, there’s always a sense of appreciation from these two players for being able to play on the biggest stages. Ruud’s heavy baseline game will put Monfils’ creativity to the test. Perhaps the Norwegian will get creative himself to throw off Monfils, whose tournament is already an unqualified success. Perhaps the Frenchman has a different strategy up his sleeve altogether. One thing for certain, though: the crowd, both in person and watching from afar, will have a hard time rooting for just one player. Winner: Ruud

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With wife Elina Svitolina knocked out in the Third Round, all eyes are on Monfils to bring home the bacon.

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Taylor Fritz vs. Holger Rune

Sitting just outside the Top 10 is former Indian Wells champion Fritz. Rune, on the other hand, is sitting comfortably at No. 7, keeping his head focused and grinding away at the opportunities. He has yet to defeat the top-ranked American, but there’s an opening to get his first victory here. Fritz has plateaued over the last couple of years, and is struggling to take his game to the next level. His confidence must be shaken as the self-imposed pressure builds, and that is just enough wiggle room for Rune to slide through into the quarterfinals. Winner: Rune

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Emma Navarro vs. Aryna Sabalenka

With defending champion Elena Rybakina out of the way due to illness, last year’s finalist is hoping this is her year. Sabalenka, however, has been tested just to get to the round of 16. She nearly fell to American Peyton Stearns in the second round en route, playing down a brief injury scare in the deciding set after saving four match points. Now, she faces 23rd-seed Navarro, who has also had her fair share of three-setters this tournament. She knocked out back-to-back Ukrainian players, including returning mother and fan favorite Elina Svitolina. Both Sabalenka and Navarro have spent a total of four hours and 23 minutes on court so far, and with no head-to-head history, this is a must watch. Winner: Sabalenka

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