We have reached the last eight in both draws and I have to say it is more than a little surprise that some of the names that we expected to see at this stage have not actually made it here.
The likes of Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka joined Rafael Nadal in heading to Miami which leaves the top half of the draw at the mercy of a rejuvenated Roger Federer who will be feeling confident he can reach consecutive Finals and perhaps take home consecutive titles.
It was also a tough day for the picks as a couple of players failed to take the chances that came their way to perhaps get over the spread numbers, but overall it remains a strong week as long as either Na Li or Novak Djokovic can go on and win the tournament.
Na Li - 3.5 games v Dominika Cibulkova: Speaking of Na Li, she had to really battle to get over the line in her last match despite dominating it for much of the evening, but I still believe she will be too good for Dominika Cibilkova.
Their match at the Australian Open was really on the racquet of Li and I think that will be the case again here as the World Number 2 is likely to dominate behind her power. I think Cibulkova is definitely a dangerous player for Li, but she doesn't have the biggest of serves and that is where I expect Li to have the most success to earn breaks of serve and remain in front.
The heart and determination that Cibulkova has will always put doubts in my mind when I go against her, but the power and the consistency that Li has should cause one too many problems and lead to a place in the Semi Final.
The first set is likely to be close, but if Li can come through with that in the bag, I expect her to power away in the second set.
Flavia Pennetta - 1.5 games v Sloane Stephens: This is a very interesting Quarter Final between the veteran with experience and the young player who so many are expecting so many big things from.
It is one of the weird statistics on the Tour that Sloane Stephens has failed to reach a Final in an event, yet has reached Grand Slam Semi Finals and she has so much potential in her game. However, there are some suggestions of her not taking all events as seriously as she could, although that will really be an issue if she is to expect a win against someone as savvy as Flavia Pennetta.
It has been a good week for Stephens, but Pennetta has backed up good results in 2014 with another strong showing and will be expecting herself to see off the young American.
Pennetta has a decent serve and is consistent off the ground which should work well on these courts and I do think she is going to find her way through to the Semi Final. It might take three sets if Stephens knuckles down for the fight, but I like Pennetta to come through 63, 46, 64.
MY PICKS: Na Li - 3.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Flavia Pennetta - 1.5 Games @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Indian Wells Update: 21-17, + 4.6 Units (76 Units Staked, + 6.05% Yield)
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