Indian Wells day 6: Mona's turn to shine

Schedule:

Angelique Kerber vs. Yanina Wickmayer
Elena Vesnina vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Victoria Azarenka vs. Kirsten Flipkens
Ana Ivanovic vs. Mona Barthel
Nadia Petrova vs. Julia Goerges
Peng Shuai vs. Samantha Stosur
Jamie Hampton vs. Urszula Radwanska
Garbine Muguruza vs. Magdalena Rybarikova

Match focus:

Ana Ivanovic vs. Mona Barthel

Ana's first real test of the tournament comes in the form of Mona Barthel. Barthel has already won Paris and is looking forward to bringing her good form here. Ana was not tested in her 2nd round match and the German will definitely provide more resistance. Barthel has the game to upset Ana but whether she is mentally ready is another question. I believe Mona's confidence is at her peak now and she should provide an upset here if Ana is shaky.

Pick: Barthel in 3 sets

Nadia Petrova vs. Julia Goerges

Julia Goerges hits a patch of random form after flopping hard in the middle east. Well, she better be as her points will drop fast and furious if she continues her dire form. Nadia Petrova will be standing in her way and frankly, the Russian will be too steady for the volatile German. Julia needs to pound Nadia's forehand and serve extremely well for a chance of an upset. Julia plays her best when she's under no pressure, so I guess she might have a glimmer of hope here. But it'll all depend on Nadia's level on play.

Pick: Petrova in 3 sets

Elena Vesnina vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Wozniacki struggled against Alize Cornet in her previous round win. Cornet is pretty much harmless on hard courts so it's not a good sign for the Dane. Perhaps she's feeling a bit rusty after jetting to Kuala Lumpur to lose the first round. Elena Vesnina has exorcised her demons by winning her first title this year. Will she notch her first win over the former number 1? Game-wise, Vesnina definitely has it to beat Wozniacki. She did take Caroline to 3 sets a few years ago. However, the fragile mind of Vesnina is always a big question mark. This match will be a test of these 2 players' mental game. How much Vesnina has improved and how much Wozniacki has regressed.

Pick: Wozniacki in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Victoria Azarenka, Samantha Stosur, Angelique Kerber
Upset alert: Magdalena Rybarikova, Ana Ivanovic, Urszula Radwanska