A day after women’s play began, the ATP main draw kicks off in Indian Wells, California. Although Novak Djokovic will be missing, there are plenty of exciting matchups and top players to satisfy any fan. As always, we here at LWOT will share our thoughts on all the matches with you. Who do you think will win?
ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Benjamin Bonzi vs Arthur Rinderknech
Two Frenchmen–each rising in a different way–both had spectacular seasons last year and look to rise further. I’d take Rinderknech and his serve on a faster court, but Bonzi has the better all-court game that should work better in the almost-clay-like conditions of Indian Wells.
Prediction: Bonzi in 3
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Borna Coric
We don’t currently hear much from Borna Coric, which really is quite disappointing. The Croatian was once a rising star and potential Slam champion, but a combination of injuries, struggles, and more injuries has kept him silent. He is now out of the Top 100, and we haven’t seen him play enough since his surgeries to know where his game is that. Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, may be the “unconventional Spaniard,” but his game is effective and he should be in much better position in this one.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Marcos Giron vs Lorenzo Musetti
Giron looked ready for a breakout in 2021, with solid performances at some bigger tournaments, including all the Majors. He hasn’t translated that into sustained success on tour, though, and his results this year are solid but not spectacular. Of course, he is facing Musetti, who just hasn’t looked the same since succumbing to injury while holding a two-set lead over Novak Djokovic at last year’s French Open. Musetti’s slump has to end sometime, but don’t expect it right now.
Prediction: Giron in 2
Nick Kyrgios vs Sebastian Baez
This should be a fun match. Then again, just about every Kyrgios match is fun. Baez is a future star with tons of talent, but he’s running into a buzzsaw here. The Australian is finally traveling again for the first time since COVID, and he’s fresh-off a career-reviving doubles title at the Australian Open. I expect Kyrgios to be locked in, focus, and exceedingly difficult to beat.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
