Day six at the ATP Indian Wells Masters looks set to be an entertaining one. A number of star names are set to take to the court in ‘Tennis Paradise’ and, as throughout the tournament, we here at LWOT are our predictions for every match on the schedule including Alexander Bublik vs Grigor Dimitrov. But who will book their place in the last 16?
ATP Indian Wells Day 6 Predictions
Diego Schwartzman vs John Isner
Head-to-head: Isner 1-0 Schwartzman
David vs Goliath. Two players who couldn’t be more different in stature and playstyle – yet will inevitably produce an enthralling contest. John Isner is rightly regarded as one of the all-time great servers and he always ups his game on the American hard courts. It took a real effort from the big man to put away fellow countryman Sam Querrey – but now he faces an entirely different calibre of opponent.
Diego Schwartzman is one of the best returners in tennis these days, though his form has somewhat faded a bit in the last year. He’s still keeping the wins ticking over, but there just seems to be lack of trust and confidence in his shots right now. Given how good a ball-striker he is, it’s strange to see. Needless to say, he’ll have to play well to win this one. Isner’s serve is so dangerous that it puts immense pressure on you to hold your own serve, as one break can easily decide the set.
If this match goes like their meeting in Paris, then we are likely to see tiebreaks and quite possibly three sets. I think this is winnable for Schwartzman – the Indian Wells courts are slower than normal hard courts and he’s one of the best in the world on slower surfaces. He’ll have to play some of his best tennis to get it done, but he could well have the slight edge.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
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Hubert Hurkacz vs Steve Johnson
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 1-0 Johnson
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Steve Johnson at these stages of big tournaments. He’s more than earned his spot though – with straight-sets wins over Daniel Altmaier and Aslan Karatsev. It’s a surprising resurgence given the veteran American’s struggles in recent years, but it’s always fun to see his aggressive game when it’s flowing well. He now faces another step up in quality, which won’t be easy to overcome.
Hubert Hurkacz is always a tricky player to predict. When he turns up, he’s simply phenomenal. A metronomic serve combined with solid groundstrokes and a great net-game – his problem is being consistent. He survived a test against Oscar Otte in the first round, and he’ll be facing a similar opponent here with a big serve and a big forehand. Expect Johnson will have his tail up after his last two results and with the American crowd behind him, but Hurkacz will find a way and remain the more solid player in the tight exchanges.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
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Jaume Munar vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-head: first meeting
The slower Indian Wells courts are suiting Jaume Munar wonderfully so far. Given his game suits the clay, it’s not surprising to see him getting good results. Having come through qualifying and the first round without dropping a set, Munar produced a shock by defeating Pablo Carreno Busta in a thrilling match. It’s been an impressive run from the gritty Spaniard. Taylor Fritz is in fine form these days, and if his 2021 Indian Wells campaign is anything to by, then he will be very tough to beat this week.
He bulldozed his way through his opening round and I don’t see him losing early here. His powerful game is working wonders, and he has ,managed to find a nearly perfect balance between aggression and control. With how well he’s serving and hitting both ground strokes, it’s tough to see how Munar will defend well enough or hit through him. The American should be too strong and continue his charge in his home state.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
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Matteo Berrettini vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: Berrettini 1-0 Harris
It’s been a frustrating year so far when it comes to Lloyd Harris. In 2021 he was playing some unbelievable tennis, and many expected this year to be a big step towards the top 20. Unfortunately, he was yet to win a match (apart from a Davis Cup game) until his first match here. Even then, it took him three sets to overcome Bagnis, who doesn’t excel on hard courts like he does on clay. For someone who has such a big game, especially for this surface, it’s bizarre how poor his form has been.
Berrettini has struggled with injury and form since his Australian Open semifinal, with rumours also surfacing about a split with girlfriend Ajla Tomljanović. Things appear slightly rocky on and off court for the Italian, but he did well to overcome a stern test in Holger Rune in his first match. Even when he’s off his game, his ability to serve himself out of trouble and find a way to grind out a win is one of the traits that makes him one of the top players on tour. Berrettini should be too good here – Harris’ form is very unconvincing right now and Berrettini rarely hand a match over. Harris may blast some winners, but the unforced error count is a huge concern for the South African.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
