"I'm a big believer that can make it difficult": Byes can make it tough in Indian Wells for Aryna Sabalenka says Pam Shriver

Pam Shriver believes Aryna Sabalenka can win Indian Wells this week. Sabalenka won the first Grand Slam of the year in Australia, but struggled in the Middle East - losing her first round match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Shriver says the seedings could play a big part in determining the Belarussian's success. "Of course, she can win in Indian Wells. But if you’re going to play someone who’s just won a major -- for the second time -- the time to do it is early.

"I’m a big believer that these byes, given the depth in the game, can make it difficult." The former doubles star adds that momentum is also key at such a big event like this. Sabalenka will play either Peyton Stearns or Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round.

"One match is not a lot of tennis since Melbourne, and that can be a problem. With 32 seeds, there’s a little more protection. Still, if Sabalenka gets rolling early, there’s no reason she can’t win this event."