As we enter the first ATP Masters event of the year in Indian Wells in the Californian desert, it marks the return of Rafael Nadal–playing just his second event on tour in a year. Alongside the 22-time Grand Slam champion is World #1 Novak Djokovic making his first appearance at Indian Wells in five years. In three separate articles, we have predictions featuring Stan Wawrinka vs. Tomas Machac, Gael Monfils vs. Max Purcell, and Denis Shapovalov vs. Botic van de Zandschulp.
ATP Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Nicolas Moreno De Alboran vs Lukas Klein
Head-to-head: 0-0
A battle between two qualifiers ranked outside of the world’s top 140 isn’t what most people would expect in a Masters event but this is exactly what we have here. In fairness, both men didn’t face extremely hard opposition in the qualifying rounds so it’s hard to even tell the level both men are at. If you look at their seasons so far though, the American has done nothing of significance whilst the Slovakian has found himself with several main tour wins as well as barely losing to top ten player Alexander Zverev in a final set tiebreak at the Australian Open.
Prediction: Klein in 2
Hugo Grenier vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: Grenier 1-0
In their only meeting on the main tour, Grenier won a final set tiebreak at the Australian Open in the battle of the two 27-year-old Frenchmen. Since that win, Grenier has found himself in a rock and a hard place, good enough to qualify for ATP events but struggling to get wins after. Muller has the bigger game but it’s a matter of him producing when we know in the past, he’s faltered when it matters most, evident in his recent Doha match against Andy Murray. Expect a tight match just like their last encounter.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Alex Michelsen vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: 0-0
Despite being ranked in the Top 80 in the world, 19-year-old Michelsen has gone somewhat under the radar. Not only does the American have a huge game with the forehand and serve, he’s also found himself pushing some of the very best in the world as well as beating current top 10 player Alex De Minaur easily just a few weeks ago. Munar on the other hand is a typical claycourter without many weapons. If the 19 year old plays his game, with the crowd behind him, it’s hard to see this one being competitive.
Prediction: Michelsen in 2
Rafael Nadal vs Milos Raonic
Head-to-head: Nadal 8-2
Without a doubt the highlight of all the first round matches. A 22 Grand Slam champion against the former world number three and no one really knows what to expect. In his first event back in a year, the Spaniard looked as if he had never left before another injury hampered his progress resulting in further time out. On the Canadian’s side, he’s only played 14 matches in the past two and a half years also being full of time out due to injury.
The strangest part about Raonic’s comeback is his level, which has been great despite constant retirements due to once again, the injuries. If you had to put money on this match not ending with a retirement, you probably wouldn’t. Despite not playing for two months now though, you would expect the Spaniard to get enough returns back into play to break down the former Wimbledon finalist.
Prediction: Nadal in 3
Editors Note: Nadal has withdrawn from Indian Wells, announcing his body “is not ready to compete.” Lucky Loser and World No. 95 Sumit Nagal will replace him.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
