It promises to be an entertaining day at the ATP BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. A blockbuster all-American clash pits defending champion Taylor Fritz against the surprise package of this year’s Australian Open in Ben Shelton. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Indian Wells Day 4 Predictions
Guido Pella vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: first meeting
Guido Pella hardly played any tennis in 2022 as he embarked on a year-long rehab for a chronic knee injury. But he has taken many by surprise by looking very competitive this season. He was back on the upswing after stunning Thiago Monteiro in his Indian Wells opener. In the time Pella was away, Griekspoor enjoyed a rapid rise to the world’s Top 50. The Dutchman has bagged an ATP title and has Top 20 aspirations. Pella’s experience might keep this close briefly, but the world #36 should roll into the second round unscathed.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 2
Dan Evans vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: Evans 1-0 Draper
Dan Evans is ranked 29th in the world rankings, almost 30 spots above Jack Draper. But that huge gulf is a little deceptive. Draper’s points earned in a productive February of last season (swept two Challenger titles) have come off and he has exited the Top 50. That is because the young Briton sat on the sidelines for over a month nursing a leg injury. But Draper did not put a foot wrong on his return to action. He dropped two games in a straight-sets thrashing of Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi. Evans is also returning from injury and this is a tough first match back. Draper’s powerful forehand should trump Evans’ neutralizing backhand in a clash of styles.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Borna Coric vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: Molcan 1-0 Coric
Molcan dispelled any lingering doubts about his recent wrist injury he picked up in Acapulco as he downed Albert Ramos Vinolas pretty routinely in his opening match. But Borna Coric is a polished baseliner with a solid two-hander–a shot the Spanish lefty lacked in keeping the ball in play. It seems a matter of time before Coric makes a dash on the ATP’s top 10. A deep run this fortnight could aid his cause. Expect the Croat to have too much nous for Slovak lefty.
Prediction: Coric in 2
Taylor Fritz vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: first meeting
This will be the hottest ticket of the day in Indian Wells. The defending champion Taylor Fritz faces the first acid test of his title defense. On paper, the higher-ranked Fritz should have the edge. A dearth of experience looked to be Shelton’s biggest obstacle on his first trip outside US soil. But he turned heads with his run to the quarterfinal in Melbourne and is now the talk of the town in Indian Wells. The surface here suits his game and the backhand slice is a nightmarish shot that Fritz will need mental preparation beforehand to counter. Shelton will definitely give Fritz a run for his money here. It should be a lot serve-oriented with the possibility of a tiebreak or two which could be a lottery. Fritz’s experience will be key if the match goes the distance.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Main Photo credit: Mike Frey – USA Today Sports
