The final eight competitors in the men’s draw at Indian Wells are set. The tournament has produced some brilliant tennis so far, and with the field of competitors left that won’t change any time soon. US Open winner Daniil Medvedev is the front runner for the title and has played great tennis so far. However, plenty of players will be hoping to put a stop to the Russian and take the trophy for themselves. We take a look at who among the remaining players should be on court again in our ATP Indian Wells day seven predictions. But who will reach the last eight?
ATP Indian Wells Day 7 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-head: Basilashvili 3-2 Khachanov
This could be a very entertaining match if both players can keep a lid on their errors. Both Nikoloz Basilashvili and Karen Khachanov possess lethal forehands and play aggressive tennis that can be brilliant to watch. However, they both also tend to go for it regardless of whether their feel is there which can also lead to unforced errors galore and some very painful tennis to watch. Somewhat surprisingly, the Georgian leads the head-to-head here despite Khachanov being the more accomplished player. However, Basilashvili has had a career year in 2021 despite issues off the court and should continue that with a win here. The slow courts at Indian Wells should allow him to tee off from both wings and outhit the Russian.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
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Taylor Fritz vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head: first meeting
Taylor Fritz looked very, very good in his last match, beating Matteo Berrettini in straight sets to book his place in this match. He must now conquer another Italian in Jannik Sinner. The teen star has continued his ascension on the ATP tour this year and came into the tournament off the back of defending his title in Sofia. Both he and Fritz are yet to drop a set at this tournament and this should be a great encounter to watch if they keep that level up. Sinner has the bigger game of the two overall, but Fritz’s serve is a real weapon. If the American can rack up enough free points behind it then he may well come out of this on top. However, Sinner is lethal from the baseline and I think he will get enough balls in play here to make good use of his immense power. The Italian should move on here and continue his stellar year.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
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Alex de Minaur vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 7-0 Alex de Minaur
This is a bit of a difficult match to analyse. On paper, this is a meeting between two of the better players in men’s tennis. Ordinarily that would mean a close encounter that could go either way. However, Stefanos Tsitsipas has absolutely dominated this matchup. These two have met seven times since 2017 and the Greek has won all seven. He’s also lost only two sets across those seven matches, and five of the seven were on hard courts. Alex de Minaur looks in good form in Indian Wells and is a tough player to beat. Nonetheless, I can’t give him a fighting chance in a matchup that is so one-sided. Tsitsipas will rack up an eight win here and move on. In fact, he likely won’t even need a bathroom break in this one to get the job done, such has been his dominance over the Aussie.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
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Alexander Zverev vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: Monfils 3-0 Zverev
Somewhat surprisingly, Gael Monfils has never lost to Alexander Zverev. To be fair to Zverev the last time they played was in 2016. Still, not many players can say they haven’t lost to the German. Zverev continues to be embroiled in off-court controversy, but on the court he remains one of the best players in the world. An Olympic Gold and several deep runs in Grand Slams this year suggest he is finally getting the hang of performing on the biggest stages. Monfils has played brilliant tennis in recent weeks and definitely has a punchers chance in this match. However, Zverev can do everything the Frenchman can and does it slightly better. Zverev was pushed by Andy Murray in his last match and is certainly beatable. However, it doesn’t look like this version of Monfils has it in him to cause the upset here. Zverev should survive one more round at least in Indian Wells.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
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