All the remaining third round matches will be played on day 6 of the ATP BNP Paribas Open. This article features world No.10, Alex de Minaur as he takes on the dangerous, Hubert Hurkacz. Grigor Dimitrov and Jack Draper will also be in action. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
ATP Indian Wells Day 6 Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: Nakashima 1-1 Arnaldi
Brandon Nakashima put up a dominant performance in the second round against Rinky Hijikata and advanced to the third round of the Indian Wells for the first time. Nakashima was impeccable behind his serve, hitting 14 aces and saving all three break points. Matteo Arnaldi came back from two breaks down in the second set to upset Andrey Rublev. Arnaldi’s game is tailored for slow conditions as his athleticism and explosiveness help him to be a great counter-puncher. He recently defeated Nakashima in Delray Beach and I can see the same outcome again.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 3
Jack Draper vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: Draper 2-0 Brooksby
Jack Draper is on a roll this season and keeps getting better with every match. Draper put up an incredible performance on defense as he kept getting balls back and extracted errors from Joao Fonseca in the first set. The Brit dominated the second set, and if he can maintain this level, he will pose a serious threat to anybody. Jenson Brooksby defeated the red-hot, Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, earning his biggest victory since returning to the tour. His serve looks good and has to click against Draper. Brooksby’s unorthodox style can be tricky for many, but Draper has never found it challenging in their previous encounters.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Alex de Minaur vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-Head: De Minaur 1-1 Hurkacz
It’s quite surprising that these two players have been inside the Top 20 for a long time and yet haven’t faced each other since 2019. Both players won their second round match comfortably and should be ready for a close battle. Hubert Hurkacz has the advantage on serve but the Australian is a great counter-puncher. He will chase down every ball and suffocate Hurkacz. If de Minaur can get back enough returns in play, he will have the advantage in this match.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-Head: Dimitrov 2-4 Monfils
Grigor Dimitrov played the best match of his season to defeat Nuno Borges in straight sets. It was an emotional win for the Bulgarian who has been struggling with injuries lately but looked close to his best in the match. Gael Monfils, on the other hand, secured another impressive win in the second round as he continues to defy his age. Monfils had nine double faults in the match against Sebastian Korda but did well to remain solid in the tiebreaks.
This should be a fun match for fans as two of the best athletes of this century lock horns in a slow court and lots of amazing rallies can be expected. Monfils leads the head-to-head but only one of those matches has come in this decade and Dimitrov won it comfortably. Monfils can target Dimitrov’s backhand with high bouncing balls but Dimitrov has a clear advantage with his forehand. Dimitrov finally looks healthy and I think he will win.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
