What happens when you pit an underdog against a tournament favorite? A guaranteed blockbuster for fans, but a demanding face-off for the contestants. No two ways about it. The odds will be quite similar to when compatriots Ashlyn Krueger and Katie Volynets take to the court for an exciting first-round showcase at the Indian Wells Masters on Thursday, March 6. Both players take pride in their recent results. However, what’s concerning is that the pressure might get to Krueger – begging the question – can she show a good account of herself in the Californian desert?

Krueger vs Volynets: Preview

American Krueger has won 9 of her 16 matches so far this season. She started the year strong with consecutive quarterfinal finishes in Brisbane and Adelaide, but was adamant on finding her footing in the Australian Open. Fast forward to the Middle East swing, the 20-year-old reached her biggest final to date at the Abu Dhabi Open. Despite putting up a commendable challenge, she succumbed to a resurgent Belinda Bencic in three sets. She will be entering this contest following the qualifiers exit at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Meanwhile, World No. 65 Volynets lifted her maiden WTA Challenger title at the Makarska International Championships in June last year. Although her title-winning bid has slowed down since then, the American player recorded a positive outing during her season-opening campaign in Auckland by reaching the last eight. Although she failed to register any noteworthy results in the subsequent events – reaching as far as the Round of 16 in Abu Dhabi – that doesn’t mean Volynets won’t offer her countrywoman stiff resistance. She will be entering the contest after the R32 exit against Ajla Tomljanović at the ATX Open.

Krueger vs Volynets: Head-to-Head

Both players have never locked horns on the WTA. They will mark their first clash in Tennis Paradise and as a result, their head-to-head stands at 0-0. That said, it is worth noting that the duo did square off for a Round of 16 contest at at W60 Futures event in Berkeley in 2022 and the outcome favored Krueger.

Prediction: Volynets to win in three sets

Ranked 41, Krueger is not easy to be meddled with. The American sensation boasts a premium subscription to an aggressive baseline game. Her flat-hitting shots aren’t easy to navigate and she can easily make her opponents run laps around her. She thrives on finishing points by hitting winners from tough corners and relies on dominant court coverage. However, sticking to the baseline and hoping for her rivals to commit an error might prove costly against Volynets.

Her younger competitor is made from the same attacking mould but, her tactics are quite different. For a player who “loves the sport and loves the challenges that it brings”, provoking the 20-year-old with her defence mechanism might just help her overcome one of those challenges. Volynets likes looping the ball, giving her enough time to pull her opponents out wide and giving her the perfect opportunity to execute her counter-puncher style to finish points. Moreover, her dependable two-handed backhand can be a solid reply to Kreuger’s aggression.

Although the hardcourt speed of the BNP Paribas suits World No. 41 Kreuger, her opponent’s third-round finish at the Masters 1000 event last year might just tip the scales in her favor. Seeing as Volynets holds a commanding match experience in Tennis Paradise, the opening round should see her advance.