- Final a clash between experience and youth
- Spaniard aims to prevent former world No 1 claiming third title
After two volatile, unpredictable weeks of this experimental autumn Indian Wells, a worthy final in the women’s draw will see another resurgence from a former dominant champion in Victoria Azarenka while a younger, equally fiery challenger in Paula Badosa, of Spain, steps into the light for the first time.
Azarenka started the season ranked 13th after a searing return to form last year, during which she reached the US Open final before losing to Naomi Osaka. She entered 2021 filled with renewed hope but, from the moment she became one of the players forced into hard quarantine at the Australian Open in February, Azarenka’s year has been a struggle and her revival stuttered.