America’s Taylor Townsend has had a mixed season so far. On one side, we saw her winning titles at the doubles, but then on the other side, she had already made quite a few early exits from the singles events. Can she now change her fortunes in the singles? Just a few days ago, she shared a video clip highlighting her “crazy” practice season ahead of her Indian Wells campaign. She was seen practicing in the middle of bad weather conditions in California. It portrayed her relentless drive to battle through any obstacles. Talking about obstacles, she has already overcome one in her first qualifier. Can she now beat her compatriot Varvara Lepchenko in the second qualifier?
Taylor Townsend vs Varvara Lepchenko: Preview
Taylor Townsend has looked a bit inconsistent in the singles event in the last few years. Although she didn’t have a great start to her season this year, Townsend secured a very impressive victory in her previous match. She defeated Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer quite comfortably by a 6-2,6-1 margin in the first qualifier at the BNP Paribas Open.
Aug 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Taylor Townsend (USA) returns a ball to Erika Andreeva (not pictured) during qualifying round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Her opponent in the next match, Varvara Lepchenko, also had a poor start to her season. However, she managed to seal a victory in her previous match against Romania’s Anca Todoni by 7-6(3),6-3.
Townsend vs Lepchenko: Head-to-Head
Taylor Townsend has never faced Varvara Lepchenko in her career. So, currently, their head-to-head record is 0-0. Who has the higher chance of sealing the deal in their first encounter?
Prediction: Townsend will win this match in straight sets
Despite having a horrid start to her campaign in the singles event this year, we’re keeping Taylor Townsend ahead in this all-American clash. Reason? Well, first and foremost, Townsend has made more frequent main-draw appearances in her career than someone like Varvara Lepchenko. Apart from that, these playing conditions could well suit Townsend better than Lepchenko.
If we look at the numbers, although Townsend is currently ranked 89th in the world, she has a win-loss record of 0-5 this season. On the other hand, Lepchenko (124) is placed way below Townsend at the moment in current rankings, but she has a win-loss record of 4-4, according to the WTA Tour official website data.
However, Townsend’s dominating performance in her previous match will give her enormous confidence before entering this battle against her compatriot. Now, talking about their weapons, i.e., their playing styles, Varvara Lepchenko has a solid baseline game, and her incredible left-handed play often throws up some challenges for her opponents during her matches. This 38-year-old tennis star is more of a counterpuncher, and she also has a tricky serve that has the potential to unsettle Townsend in this match.
So, Taylor Townsend needs to be a bit watch of it in this epic battle. Talking about Townsend’s playing style, she is also a lefty, and she’s known for her serve-and-volley tactics. She has a big serve in her armory and can also generate some serious power behind her forehands. Apart from that, Lepchenko also needs to watch for Townsend’s vicious slice shots and picture-perfect net play. Townsend also has a good return game. Considering all these aspects, we’re keeping Taylor Townsend ahead in this battle of two left-handed Americans at the Indian Wells.
The post Indian Wells 2025: Taylor Townsend vs Varvara Lepchenko; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.