The BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells kicks off this week, with several top stars in action as they compete to determine who takes home the illustrious WTA 1000 trophy.
Although several top-ranked superstars are missing for various reasons, this year's Indian Wells event is not lacking in star power. Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova is the top seed at the event, and should she make it through the early stages, could face recent US Open semifinalist Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals.
Last year's Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek is seeded second, and she could face a tough challenge should Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic make it to the quarterfinals.
Another Roland Garros champion is highly seeded at the event, as this year's French Open titlist Barbora Krejcikova is the third seed. The Czech star could face the ever-dangerous Garbine Muguruza, who is just coming off a title run in Chicago.
The last quarterfinal could feature a mouth-watering clash between Olympic Bronze medalist Elina Svitolina and two-time Grand Slam titlist Petra Kvitová, with both ladies known for their shot-placement and fighting spirit.
The BNP Paribas Open runs from October 4-17, 2021 and is being held in Indian Wells, California.
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#BNPPO21 coming into focus 👀
Top 8 seeds in the @WTA draw:
1️⃣Pliskova🇨🇿
2️⃣Swiatek🇵🇱
3️⃣Krejcikova🇨🇿
4️⃣Svitolina🇺🇦
5️⃣Muguruza🇪🇸
6️⃣Sakkari🇬🇷
7️⃣Kvitova🇨🇿
8️⃣Bencic🇨🇭
More to come within the hour.