The ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells has lived up to its billing with intense excitement and fireworks and it only gets better as the tournament enters the third day with even more to look forward to. We here at LWOT join the party again to see who will still be here on the next match day. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Indian Wells Day 5 Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Francisco Cerundolo arrived in Indian Wells on the back of a semifinal defeat to Sebastian Baez in Rio and he came up against a fatigued Alexander Shevchenko who was eventually forced to retire. He will not enjoy such favors against a rejuvenated Ben Shelton. The young American has come alive again and this should be a routine win for him in front of his home crowd.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head–to–Head: Zverev 2 vs 1 Griekspoor
The German and Dutch #1s square up in California for a place in the 4th round and it is billed to be an explosive battle. Both players have had a decent start to the year and will be looking to consolidate their progress so far.
However, Zverev is the player to back here. This will be his eighth appearance at this event and he comes with a towering serve that will certainly trouble Griekspoor, who is adept at staying in rallies.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Alexander Bublik
Head–to–Head: de Minaur 2 vs 0 Bublik
Two of the most in-form players clash in the third round here in Indian Wells and it promises to be a blockbuster. Since his shock first-round loss to Sumit Nagal in Melbourne, Bublik has played in two ATP finals, winning the event in Montpellier. The hitherto fitful Kazakh has shown uncommon consistency and focus over the last 12 months and he’ll certainly take this game to de Minaur–a player he hasn’t defeated in two attempts.
The Australian is playing arguably the best tennis of his career. He dusted off any potential relapse from his victory in Acapulco last week with an emphatic 6–1, 6–2 win over Taro Daniel in the previous round.
While Bublik will pose a stern challenge, de Minaur is currently at the height of his powers and has the weapons to repel the Kazakh’s attack.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
The last time Jannik Sinner lost a match was at the ATP Finals in Turin to the world #1, Novak Djokovic. Since then, he’s won the next 18 matches including his first Grand Slam title, the ATP Rotterdam, and defeated Djokovic twice.
Jan Lennard Struff scored a major win in his upset of Borna Coric in the first round but lightning doesn’t strike twice.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
