The tennis world shifts its focus to the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season as the tour heads to southern California for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The 96-man draw attracts the best players in the world as they compete for one of the most prestigious titles on the tour calendar. Day one in Indian Wells features many intriguing matchups, including a battle between compatriots Brandon Nakashima and John Isner. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match as well as all other happenings around the grounds of Indian Wells. But who will advance?
ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Constant Lestienne vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head-to-Head: Lestienne 1-0 Ruusuvuori
Constant Lestienne and Emil Ruusuvuori enter this round one match separated by just three spots in the Pepperstone Rankings. A win here will go a long way as both these men look to continue their ascent into the world’s top 50. Neither player has looked overly impressive this season, and are very closely aligned in form. Lestienne got the better of Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-2 last September. He pushed the 23-year-old Finland native around the court with his wide variety of strokes. I expect this match to be closer than their previous meeting, but I still slightly favor the Frenchman to find a way to the finish line.
Prediction: Lestienne in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Laslo Djere vs Oscar Otte
Head-to-Head: Djere 1-1 Otte
Laslo Djere is coming off the three-tournament Golden Swing trip where he certainly left some wins on the table. That said, the veteran Serbian has consistently beaten players ranked lower than him and lost to those ranked higher. Djere is currently ranked 28 spots ahead of world No. 82 Oscar Otte. The German is just 2-7 this season and has looked uncompetitive in some matches. Otte’s serve can be an equalizer, but I favor Djere in this battle based on form and consistency.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Embed from Getty Images
Pedro Cachin vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Nikoloz Basilashvili is one of the most dangerous hardcourt players on tour. He rips groundstrokes harder than anyone in the game, and is very hard to beat when they are connecting. Basilashvili made a run to the final of this event back in 2021 and has historically played well in southern California. Across the net will be Pedro Cachin, who is just 1-9 on the young season. Cachin dominated the Challenger Tour in 2022 but has yet to translate that success up to the ATP level. I do believe the Argentine’s ability to dig balls out of the corners will frustrate Basilashvili, but ultimately the Georgian should be able to power his way to a victory.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Brandon Nakashima vs John Isner
Head-to-Head: Nakashima 2-1 Isner
Americans Brandon Nakashima and John Isner are set to square off in one of the tournament’s more intriguing round-one matches. Nakashima and Isner played three previous times, all in 2021, with the younger American getting the better of his elder in two of those matches. Isner has always felt comfortable on the courts of Indian Wells and reached the final in 2012. Despite being in the final stage of his career, the 37-year-old has played better than Nakashima this season. Isner reached the final in Dallas last month and took Taylor Fritz to three sets last week in Acapulco. On the other hand, Nakashima has just one win on the season. He is coming off a 2-6 0-6 thrashing at the hands of fellow American Mackenzie McDonald. Against Isner, you have to play with a high level of focus and jump at the few chances you get against his serve. Nakashima is not in the current form to accomplish that.
Prediction: Isner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
