It’s the fourth round at the 2023 ATP BNP Paribas Open and the matchups are only getting more and more exciting in Indian Wells, California. Two years ago, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev were a set away from meeting in a Grand Slam final. They’ve both been through some lows since and are clawing their way back. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Indian Wells Day 7 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-0
Alejandro Tabilo’s run comes as a bit of a surprise, but the Chilean really needed it after a rough Golden Swing. Compared to most clay courters, he’s a lot more efficient on hard courts as he grew up in Canada. Frances Tiafoe looks like he should end this unexpected run though. The American was incredibly clean in his wins over Marcos Giron and Jason Kubler, losing just nine games in total so far.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: 1-1
Cristian Garin is yet to drop a set in five matches so far and found a phenomenal run despite his recent lack of form. In his win over Casper Ruud, the Chilean was fearless on his forehand side and had an unshakable belief in his game. Following up a victory like that won’t be easy and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has also been really enjoying himself in the slow hard court conditions in Indian Wells.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Rublev 2-1
When they met at the US Open last year, Andrey Rublev dispatched Cameron Norrie a lot more comfortably than expected. The Brit was making far too many errors on regulation balls though and can produce a better level here. The former champion should find it easier to grind down Rublev here and the desert conditions might give him the tiniest of edges here.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: 6-6
Alexander Zverev was once 4-0 up in this head-to-head, but Daniil Medvedev pulled it back by winning five times in a row. They haven’t played in over a year and there are plenty of question marks regarding both players. Medvedev has never felt comfortable on the sandpaper courts in Indian Wells, but he is on a 16-match winning streak. Zverev is slowly coming back to form, but is he ready for a win like this? His shaky bout against Emil Ruusuvuori in the third round might suggest that the answer is not necessarily.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
