Day of the BNP Paribas Open features some legends of the game such as Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. At the same time, it showcases what the future of tennis has to offer with the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Jared Donaldson.
Indian Wells Day 5 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka was troubled against Dan Evans in the previous round, as was pushed to three sets. Evans was aggressive throughout the first two sets, but seemed to change tactics and be more passive in the latter stages of the match. So if Fucsovics wants to win this match, he will need to be consistently aggressive and not lose any focus.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 2
Mackenzie McDonald vs Daniil Medvedev
This should be an interesting match, as these two players are the future of tennis. Medvedev has already established himself as a solid young player and is threatening to break into the Top 10. McDonald, on the other hand, is still climbing the rankings but improving steadily. McDonald is the underdog coming into this match, and I can see him causing an upset and knock Medvedev out of the tournament.
Prediction: McDonald in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Steve Johnson
This will be their first meeting and should be an interesting match. Because both players have contrasting styles and it will be interesting to see which style wins this match. Shapovalov has an aggressive one-handed backhand and it is his arguably best shot. Whereas, Johnson likes to use his backhand as a slice, and it is more passive, but still extremely effective.
Johnson will have to reproduce that same level he played in the first round against Taylor Fritz. So if he wants to beat Shapovalov he must do these three things: high first serve percentage, low unforced errors, and staying aggressive.
Prediction: Johnson in 3
Roger Federer vs Peter Gojowcyzk
Federer has a 1-0 head-to-head lead over the German, and I expect this to be 2-0 by the end of the match. This should be a comfortable match for the Swiss and should progress to the second round in a straight forward manner.
Prediction: Federer in 2
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