Sam Querrey predicts how Coco Gauff will perform at Indian Wells and how the courts will impact her

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Coco Gauff is in for a lengthy stay at Indian Wells this year, according to her fellow American Sam Querrey.

Gauff will enter Indian Wells with a 10-4 record from her three tournaments in 2026 so far; the Australian Open, Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships.

And it is the two-time Grand Slam champion and current world number four who represents America’s best hope at the WTA 1000 tournament in the eyes of Querrey.

Sam Querrey thinks Coco Gauff is the American player to watch at Indian Wells

When asked by Tennis Channel which American woman is the one to watch in Tennis Paradise, Querrey said: “Coco Gauff.

“She played great in Dubai, even in the match she lost to [Elina] Svitolina in the semifinals. She’s never won this event, so I think that could be extra motivation.

“These courts clearly play to her strengths: a gritty, high-bouncing court can only help her forehand and should give her extra zip on her serve.”

Gauff has had her serving struggles throughout her entire career, namely when it comes to double faults, but she has still managed to achieve huge success.

She is a former world number two and an 11-time WTA champion, notably winning the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open.

Eugenie Bouchard backs lengthy Indian Wells run for Jessica Pegula

Querrey wasn’t the only one to have had his say on the matter, with his fellow former player Eugenie Bouchard opting for a different name when picking her American woman to go furthest in California.

She said: “Jessica Pegula. Jess has been so consistent in recent tournaments, and is coming off an impressive win at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

“She may be dealing with a knee injury but hopefully that is more a function of just how much she’s played to start the season, and not a bigger issue going forward.

“She has historically posted stronger results at the Miami Open, but the Indian Wells Tennis Garden’s famous gritty courts should be advantageous to her high-percentage game.”

Which Grand Slam is Jessica Pegula most likely to win?

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Pegula does have an ongoing knee injury, but it didn’t stop her from clinching the Dubai title last month, beating Svitolina in the final.

Dubai champion Pegula skipped the ATX Open in Austin afterwards, but is expected to return for Indian Wells and subsequently the Miami Open.

Meanwhile sharing his take, Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone commented: “Coco Gauff.

“I do think Emma Navarro will have a good tournament, but Coco is due for a big run at a top-tier tournament, and her athleticism on these courts should be a perfect fit.”

Having once climbed as high as world number eight, Navarro has slipped to 20th, with her disappointing season recently continuing with an opening loss at the Merida Open.

Highlighting the strength of American women’s tennis right now, Navarro is one of six such players in the WTA Top 20.

The Indian Wells main draw starts on March 4, and is immediately followed in the calendar by its WTA 1000 counterpart in Miami.