Andy Murray has been playing at Indian Wells for a long time now. He recorded his 16th appearance at the event this year. Murray has played at Indian Wells in three different decades, and he made his debut in 2006. His expertise in the US courts has influenced the players on the WTA tour. Murray’s insights have helped Iga Swiatek on her game at the event this season.
The former world No.1 had earlier talked about the conditions of the courts at Indian Wells. It turned out to be vital information for Swiatek. She said, “Actually, watching this interview gave me really positive emotions, and the other thing is that he actually was pretty smart about describing the conditions here.” Her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, had suggested she watch Murray’s video.
World No. 1 @Iga_Swiatek expresses her appreciation for @Andy_Murray and reveals her current reading selection 📖#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/NdSZOeLWLI
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 9, 2024
Swiatek used Murray’s interview to overcome the adversities at Indian Wells. She has been watching Murray since childhood. During the US Open last season, the world No.1 was overwhelmed when Murray revealed that he wished to have her as a doubles partner. Murray, during an interview at Indian Wells this year, said that Swiatek was one of his favorite players to watch on the WTA tour.
Iga Swiatek is hoping to avoid the Australian Open blunder at Indian Wells
The 2024 Australian Open saw Swiatek crash out in the third round. It was her worst performance at the event since her debut in 2019 when she exited in the second round. While the match turned out to be a negative outing for Swiatek, it was a major milestone for Linda Noskova. It was the first time she had reached the third round of a grand slam and reached the quarterfinals.
Noskova and Swiatek have played two matches against each other on the tour so far. While the Polish player won their first meeting in Warsaw in 2023, Noskova took revenge at Melbourne this year. Their third meeting will be at Indian Wells this time. The 19-year-old will be eager to enter the event’s fourth round for the first time as she made her debut last year.
🇵🇱 Iga Świątek – Linda Noskova w trzeciej rundzie WTA 1000 w Indian Wells! Szansa dla Polki na rewanż za porażkę podczas tegorocznego Australian Open.
🇬🇧 Iga Świątek – Linda Noskova in the R3 of WTA 1000 in Indian Wells!
📸 Jimmie48 Photography | WTA | #czasnatenis pic.twitter.com/VzaoajS3s2
— Z kortu – informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) March 9, 2024
Swiatek will be the favorite to progress to the fourth round, given how she performed in the opening match. The 22-year-old only conceded three games, and her serve was not broken once during the match. Meanwhile, Noskova had difficulties in the second set of her second-round match. She will seek to break Swiatek’s serve from the start.
