Magda Linette Faces Peyton Stearns in Indian Wells Opener

INDIAN WELLS, California — Polish tennis player Magda Linette will compete against American Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells on March 5, 2025. This match marks the first encounter between the two players on the women’s tour.

Linette, currently ranked 36th in the WTA, aims to overcome her recent challenges, having exited early in three consecutive tournaments. Her opponent, Stearns, ranked 44th, is expected to pose a significant challenge, especially after Linette struggled with injuries in recent weeks.

“I’m looking forward to the match,” Linette said. “I’ve been working hard to regain my form, and I hope to deliver a strong performance.”

The match will take place at one of the secondary courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and supportive crowds. If Linette advances, she will face fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the next round.

In her last outing, Linette faced difficulties in Merida, Mexico, where she was forced to retire due to a foot injury during her match against Zeynep Sonmez. Despite this setback, Linette has shown resilience, reaching the quarterfinals in both Doha and Abu Dhabi earlier this season.

Stearns, 23, has recently gained attention after eliminating top-ranked opponents, including Ons Jabeur in Dubai. Her recent form indicates that she will not be an easy matchup for Linette. “I know my opponent is tough, but I’m ready to compete,” Stearns expressed ahead of the match.

The upcoming match between Linette and Stearns is generating buzz as fans eagerly await the outcome. With both players seeking to solidify their standings, this match is critical for their success in the tournament. The match is scheduled to start at approximately 9:30 PM local time.