Linda Noskova can pull off a massive shock at the Hantuchova Open

I'll keep this short as my Papa Johns has arrived. The consensus seems to be that Aryna is going to win this in straights but Noskova is a sleeping giant of hard court tennis that has arrived at Indian Wells seemingly ready to make some moves. Her service was very disciplined in her thrashing of Eala but the key match was really that comeback against Cirstea. I'm not sure I've seen her play better that the second and third sets of that match in the whole of 2025. She couldn't buy a win earlier in the year but something has seriously clicked.

I had predicted on the megathread that the match with Talia Gibson would go to a third set and so it proved. Linda upped her level accordingly and won the decider with confidence.

Sabalenka has been in great form, has improved year on year and always seems to give best effort even on her off days. I'm not underestimating her but 1.15 is way too short and I do think Noskova (like Rybakina) has a higher ceiling on a hard court if she is able to switch into a consistent gear.

Noskova to beat Sabalenka 7.8

Noskova to win at least one set 2.86

Over 1.5 tie breaks available at 33-1. Seems a possibility. There was a tb in their only previous match (Adelaide 2023)

Rybakina looks a fair price in the other semi at around 1.4. Svitolina beating Iga is being factored in when in reality Iga wasn't at the races