Day 1 of Indian Wells action on the ATP side has some great matches. California native Mackenzie McDonald and Hungarian Marton Fuscovics kick off what should be an incredible day of tennis on stadium court. There are a ton of points at stake at this Masters 1000 event. We look at the matches.
ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Filip Krajinovic vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: 1-1
The second and third ranked Serbians on the ATP tour will be squaring off for officially the third time, though you have to expect these guys know each other’s games very well. This will be, however, the first time they meet on tour since 2015. Filip Krajinovic and Dusan Lajovic both have advanced to Round 4 in previous Indian Wells tournaments so they should like their chances to make a run. Neither has played very inspiring tennis so far this season and will be looking to grab some much needed points at this 1000 event. I see this one going three sets, with a slight lean towards the younger Krajinovic.
Prediction: Krajinovic in 3
Sebastian Korda vs Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: Korda 1-0
Sebastian Korda and Thanasi Kokkinakis square off for the second time this season with Korda topping the Australian 6-4, 6-1 down in Delray Beach a month ago. 21-year-old Korda shows brilliance in every match, proving why the USTA is so excited about him. He also has way too many letdown moments, something all players go through. His opponent, Thanasi Kokkinakis, will be looking to replicate his run to the 2015 Round of 16 in Indian Wells. He won his two qualifying matches in straight sets and seems to have found some form. If the Australian wants a chance in this one he is going to have to serve very well. I believe Korda will be locked and loaded at this Masters 1000 looking to gain valuable points to vault himself up the rankings.
Prediction: Korda in 2
J.J. Wolf vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: First meeting
Youngsters J.J. Wolf and Hugo Gaston are meeting for the first time in their careers. This is just Wolf’s second main draw match at Indian Wells, whereas Gaston is making his first appearance. Wolf is looking to have a breakthrough as another success story of a collegiate tennis star transitioning to professional success. Injuries have hampered his early career as he still tries and navigates at lot of Challenger events and qualifying rounds. That is something Wolf did well, dropping just 12 games in two matches of qualies. Hugo Gaston is looking to find his form as he currently holds a 2-10 record in his last 12 matches dating back to last year. I do expect him to frustrate J.J. Wolf with his unique style of play. Gaston will put Wolf’s fitness to the test each and every point. That will be a tall task to overcome for the streaky American.
Prediction: Gaston in 2
Mackenzie McDonald vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mackenzie McDonald and Marton Fucsovics will be meeting for the first time at the tour level in Round 1 at Indian Wells. Both players are looking to find some form as they both have reached just one quarterfinal so far in the 2022 season. McDonald, a California native, will be looking for his first sustained run in the desert having only reached as far as Round 2 in this event. Fucsovics has also never been past Round 2. I expect this match to be tight, with the player who converts the few break point chances they get to come out on top. I will take the native Californian in a close three-sets.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
