Brandon Nakashima has had some good times on the Challenger Tour recently and now it’s time to hit back on the main circuit. The 2022 Next Gen Finals champion will take on Christopher Eubanks in the opening round at ATP Indian Wells, having received a wildcard. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Lucas Pouille vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-head: First meeting
Lucas Pouille hasn’t been able to get his body right the last few years and gets injured anytime we see his form coming back (like in his first event of the season in Nonthaburi). But after really pushing eventual Lille champion Arthur Rinderknech last week, he also managed to qualify with two wins from a set down here. Daniel Altmaier isn’t the worst draw he could get, but the German can grind you down, and especially on a clay-ish hard court like this, it might be a bit much for Pouille.
Prediction: Altmaier in 3
Matteo Arnaldi vs Luca Van Assche
Head-to-head: First meeting
A big result on the main tour seems to be right around the corner for Matteo Arnaldi, but he has mostly been winning one or two matches at most per event. Of course, it will be tougher than usual to make a final or semifinal at an event of this quality. His opening draw at least is very okay though as Luca Van Assche still hasn’t properly found his footing at tour-level. Arnaldi’s got issues balancing out his game, but he’s the much stronger ball-striker of the two.
Prediction: Arnaldi in 2
Constant Lestienne vs Denis Kudla
Head-to-head: Lestienne 2-0
Interestingly, both their previous matches took place on grass, and these two experienced players will now meet on hard courts for the first time. Constant Lestienne has been playing an interesting schedule this year where he’s in the draw somewhere literally every week but hasn’t really gotten that much out of it. Seems like his quality isn’t gone though and these courts could bring out some of his best variety, while also limiting the damage that Denis Kudla can do with his flat ball-striking.
Prediction: Lestienne in 2
Christopher Eubanks vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: 2-2
This has been a nice rivalry over the years, with Christopher Eubanks winning their only match of 2023 in Atlanta. Brandon Nakashima has since grabbeed a lot of points and rhythm at the Challenger level to now try to re-establish himself on the main tour. While his return has been a bit of an issue of late, the American has also improved his serve. His prospects for the rest of the season seem much stronger than the ones of Eubanks and this would be a good time to start displaying it.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski – USA TODAY Sports
