The winner of the ATP Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open will have their first ever ATP Masters 1000 level title as Britain’s Norrie is at a career high ranking and seeking a second career ATP title after winning his first earlier this season. Basilashvili has a great record in ATP finals, he’s won five straight including two this season. Here’s a look at this compelling clash of lesser known talents.
Cameron Norrie vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Norrie won their only meeting earlier this year in Rotterdam but will likely be a slight underdog, the British player has been great at reaching finals but poor at winning them this season, a 1-4 record in ATP finals just this season suggests there’s some psychological aspects to Norrie’s difficulties at the end of tournaments. With that said, his last two wins against Diego Schwartzman and Grigor Dimitrov were easy and routine after he scratched through his first three matches in three sets, earning those tough wins after reaching the San Diego final last time out.
Basilashvili needed three sets against Albert Ramos in the second round, then went on a thrilling run, dispatching Karen Khachanov, Stefanos Tsitsipas (in 3), and Taylor Fritz to reach the final. This matchup looks relatively even and seeing three sets of tennis wouldn’t be a shock, Basilashvili has more ability to redline his game though and should have a bit more confidence, giving him a slight edge. Basilashvili in 3
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