Although the big guns will arrive later in the week, Day 1 in Indian Wells features a plethora of entertaining matches. Former champion Cameron Norrie will look to get his season back on track when he plays last year’s giant killer, Luca Nardi. Our other prediction articles include Reilly Opelka vs. Roman Safiullin, Nishesh Basavareddy vs. Yunchaokete Bu, and Miomir Kecanmovic vs. Tallon Griekspoor. Who will progress at ATP Indian Wells?
ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: Muller 1-0 Seyboth Wild
This should be an interesting watch between two clay-court experts. Muller had a more successful Golden Swing than Seyboth Wild. He came within one win of lifting the biggest ATP title of his career at the Rio Open (he lost to Sebastian Baez in the final). Understandably, he didn’t have the lungs to play in Acapulco two days later and lost to Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. Now that he’s got a full battery, he’ll be better equipped to handle the grind. I’m leaning toward Muller, but it will be tight.
Prediction: Muller in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: first meeting
Jordan Thompson promised not to return to the court until he recovered fully from the foot injury he sustained during the Australian swing. He missed the whole of February and dropped valuable points that had initially kept his ranking inside the top 30. Corentin Moutet didn’t produce any inspiring performances last month, winning only once in three tournaments in South America. Still, the Frenchman’s knack for exploring gaps cannot be underestimated and could capitalize from Thomspon’s long layoff.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Colton Smith
Head-to-head: first meeting
Flavio Cobolli’s last win was at the United Cup, and he is grappling with the task of reviving his season after six consecutive losses. For his part, Colton Smith is having the season of his life, and we’re only two months into 2025. He won his first Challenger title in Cleveland at the start of February and is on the verge of entering the Top 250. The 22-year-old’s qualifying campaign included wins over Cobolli’s compatriot Fabio Fognini and former World No. 50 Pavel Kotov. Smith isn’t the biggest server, but he’s got a functional serve, and casual tennis fans already noted his talent in qualifying. He’s got the ability to move the ball with precision and cover the court with exceptional movement. Cobolli could be in real trouble, particularly with his confidence shattered.
Prediction: Smith in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-head: Norrie 1-0 Nardi
Cameron Norrie looks to address his inconsistent start to the season in Indian Wells. This is a happy hunting ground for Norrie, who has a 13-5 lifetime record at the event. Nardi, for his part, caused quite the shock when he became the lowest-ranked player to beat Novak Djokovic in last year’s tournament as a lucky loser. The Italian has fared better by comparison with 15 wins from 23 matches this season. The Briton has the pedigree to win this match. He is a former champion and the conditions suit his playing style. But he’s out of form with three first-round exits from six tournaments.
Prediction: Nardi in 3
Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch – USA TODAY Sports
