As the second round begins on Day 3 of the ATP Masters in Indian Wells, the seeds come into play as the world’s top players begin the event. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis predict all of the matches for you. We present four matches in this article, with the rest of Friday’s matches split between three other articles. In three separate articles, we have match predictions featuring Andrey Rublev vs Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner vs Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Arnaldi. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Seyboth Wild looked like a potential breakout star years back, but he hasn’t really gone anywhere yet. It’s unfortunate for him, as the potential remains there. On a slower hard court he’ll have some advantages over the Russian, but Khachanov is too good and too solid to let this be a battle.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Alexander Bublik vs Juncheng Shang
Bublik seems to be taking things more seriously recently, and it’s come with benefits. He’s winning more consistently and his ranking has risen. Unfortunately, he’s about to meet a buzzsaw. Juncheng Shang is a future elite player, and he’s in rare form this week. Shang blitzed his way through qualifying and the opening round, and he shows no signs of slowing down yet.
Prediction: Shang in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Borna Coric
Struff might be the seed, but Coric has more talent and is the better player. The Croat is woefully inconsistent, but he’s also a former Masters champion for a reason. Coric will put things back together eventually, and when he does the entire world needs to beware.
Prediction: Coric in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Constant Lestienne
Lestienne has played a brutal schedule this year, literally competing every week of the season so far. That has to catch up to him eventually. Even if Auger-Aliassime isn’t at his best right now, the Canadian is the better player and in better condition. I don’t expect a tight match.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
