The ATP Indian Wells Masters 1000 makes a much awaited return to the tour after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic. Day 2 sees many exciting first round matchups. As always, we predict all of them. We split the 16 matches between four articles, including this one. One features Kevin Anderson vs Jordan Thompson, another Andy Murray vs Adrian Mannarino, and the third highlights John Millman vs Jack Sock.
ATP Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Jenson Brooksby vs Cem Ilkel
Head to head – First Meeting
Jenson Brooksby is a precocious talent on the tour and the American has so far enjoyed playing in his home country. The 20-year-old is having a breakthrough summer and Indian Wells is going to test his mettle once again. Cem Ilkel has done well to qualify but nothing suggests he’s in form and doesn’t possess a very good career record at the ATP main draw level. Expect Brooksby to make a strong start here.
Prediction: Brooksby in 2
Pablo Andujar vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head to head – First Meeting
Aleksandar Vukic will be interesting to follow this week if he manages to get past the opening round. The Australian has been playing well in the last two challenger events he’s entered and has carried that form to qualify for the main draw. Pablo Andujar has been on the tour for quite a while but hasn’t quite played like the experienced pro like he is this year. The Spaniard is vulnerable on this court and especially if Vukic finds his range. Expect Vukic to got through.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Federico Coria vs Brandon Nakashima
Head to head – First Meeting
There’s lots to like in the way Brandon Nakashima plays. The young American possesses an all around game and is quite adept at taking the ball extremely early. Federico Coria will have to play the best he’s played recently but it’ll be easier said than done against a player who’s likely to rush him more often than not. Expect Nakashima to dominate the baseline rallies and progress ahead.
Prediction: Nakashima in 2
Dominik Koepfer vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head to head – First Meeting
From the baseline, Emil Ruusuvuori’s groundstrokes are much more effective than Dominik Koepfer’s. That being said, Koepfer is a gritty player and extremely tough to beat. The German mixes his groundstrokes well and that can be off putting especially to a player like Ruusuvuori who likes pace on the ball. Expect a see saw battle between the two as neither enter this match in decent form but Ruusuvuori should be the fresher of the two as the match stretches to a possible third set.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
