Ashlyn Krueger’s breakout year continues with her first main draw win at Indian Wells. After impressive quarterfinal runs in Brisbane and Adelaide, and a finals appearance in Abu Dhabi, her confidence is soaring. Shortly after, she said, “I’ve just been really believing in my game. My coach and I have been working so hard recently on a lot of things – but I’ve just been believing in what I’m working on.” Krueger’s success, fueled by hard work and self-belief, now faces a tough test: former world number 3, Elina Svitolina. Can she maintain this incredible momentum?

Elina Svitolina vs Ashlyn Krueger: Preview

Elina Svitolina started the season with a bang, reaching the QF of the AO. However, after that, she struggled a bit in the rest of her tournaments. Svitolina will be entering this match following her R32 defeat to Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the Dubai Tennis Championships. Tauson defeated Svitolina by 7-6(5),3-6,7-6(4) in that match.

On the other hand, Ashlyn Krueger has already tasted a win in this competition. She defeated her compatriot Katie Volynets by 0-6,6-2,6-2 in the first round (R128).

Svitolina vs Krueger: Head-to-Head

Elina Svitolina has never faced Ashlyn Krueger in her career so far. So, currently, the head-to-head record between these two tennis stars is 0-0.

Prediction: Krueger will win this match in three sets

Elina Svitolina brings significant experience to this matchup, including a 2019 Indian Wells semifinal appearance. However, Ashlyn Krueger enters this match with superior form this season. While Svitolina holds a higher ranking at World No. 23, her 2025 record is 6-4, compared to Krueger’s 11-7 and World No. 41 ranking, both players possess the tools to excel on this surface.

Svitolina, a defensive baseliner, excels at transitioning defense into offense, hitting low-risk winners and powerful groundstrokes, particularly her backhand. Her deep penetrating groundstrokes, both forehand and backhand, will challenge Krueger. However, her vulnerable second serve and occasional struggles against aggressive players are potential weaknesses.

Conversely, Krueger boasts a powerful serve and groundstrokes, a strong forehand, and exceptional patience in constructing points. Her smooth, flat, deep shots are well-suited to this surface. Coupled with the home crowd advantage, I believe Krueger’s current form and playing style give her the edge.