"Give her the edge going in": Aryna Sabalenka tipped for Indian Wells glory by tournament chief Tommy Haas

With Indian Wells set to kick off this week, tournament director Tommy Haas believes reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will lift the title at the conclusion of the event.

Sabalenka will be competing alongside several top 10 players at the joint ATP/WTA 1000 event, which will see it's first round matches begin on Wednesday. The Belarusian has been on a tear this season, finishing runner-up in Brisbane before capturing her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. However, the 25-year old suffered a shocking opening round loss to Croatian Donna Vekic in Dubai two weeks ago.

Although World No.1 Iga Swiatek will be the top seed at the event, tournament director Haas is of the opinion that Sabalenka will be the favorite at Indian Wells, which is often regarded as "the fifth Grand Slam" by tennis fans. The big-hitting Belarusian finished runner-up to Elena Rybakina at last year's edition.

"Sabalenka, you know, she has such a big, powerful game," said Haas. "Gives her a little bit more time sometimes in Indian Wells too. But she moves well, she’s feeling obviously very, very good about her game — defending her title at the Australian Open. So I kind of give her the edge also going in, no matter what happens the next couple of weeks.”