The season’s first ATP Masters 1000 tournament, the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, is scheduled to start on March 5. The draw is out, and it has unveiled lots of fascinating first-round matches. Fans can expect high quality tennis from the outset at the Californian desert. We preview of the top five first-round matches.
Five Best Men’s First Round Matches
Mackenzie McDonald vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Mackenzie McDonald’s career has been severely hampered by injuries, which he has had to deal with regularly. The American is trying to get back to his best level and Indian Wells presents a big opportunity for him to get his ranking back inside the top 100 and build some confidence for the rest of the season. McDonald has shown in the past how dangerous he can be when he is on and this matchup with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina promises to be a thriller.
The Spaniard is playing some of his best tennis but losing two finals in a row might leave a scar. He has never lost against McDonald and even defeated him last month. However, this could be a big obstacle for Davidovich Fokina after a tough loss against Tomas Machac three days ago and an opponent looking for a resurgence, this week in front of his home crowd. Whatever the result, these two superb athletes will give their best.
Joao Fonseca vs Jacob Fearnley
Joao Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, who recently became the youngest South American to win a tour-level title, makes his Indian Wells debut. The tournament acknowledged Fonseca’s potential and rise by handing him a main draw wild card. He can be a real threat for anyone in this tournament as he will have enough time to set up his big ground strokes in these slower conditions. However, he must first get rid of a tough first-round opponent.
Jacob Fearnley may not have taken the tennis world by storm like Fonseca did, but his climb has been equally impressive. He was ranked outside the top 500 eight months ago, but is now comfortably sitting inside the top 100. He is a completely different player than Fonseca, which makes this an intriguing encounter.
Lorenzo Sonego vs David Goffin
Lorenzo Sonego has made a solid start to the year and was unlucky to face a red-hot Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round in Dubai. David Goffin, on the other hand, ended his seven-match losing streak and reached the quarterfinals in Acapulco. These two have played three times before, with Sonego winning twice. This is the first time these two will face off on a slow and high bouncing hard court, which is not the best conditions for either player.
What makes this match exciting is the contrast in their games. Sonego is known for his aggressive baseline play, powerful forehand, and strong serve while Goffin excels in return of serve, defense, and has great control over his shots. This match will be a test of Sonego’s aggressive play against Goffin’s counterpunching abilities. The outcome will most likely depend on who can better implement their game plan on the day.
Gael Monfils vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Gael Monfils has been around for a long time, and the fact that this will be his 16th main draw appearance in Indian Wells confirms it. Age is just a number for the Frenchman as he continues to play tennis at a high level. Monfils has a 9-3 win-loss record this year and the slow and high bouncing conditions will suit his game. However, Jan-Lennard Struff is the kind of player who can trouble Monfils if he executes his game plan well, something which he hasn’t been able to do in the past.
Struff has only won one set in three matches against Monfils but if he can counter the Frenchman’s deep rally and return position with timely net rushes and serve and volley plays, he will make this match very interesting.
Tallon Griekspoor vs Miomir Kecmanovic
This is easily the best first round match on paper at this year’s BNP Paribas Open. Two in-form players who play almost the same brand of entertaining and first strike tennis. It’s hard to separate the two and their previous meeting confirms it. In their three previous encounters, each match went to a deciding set, with five of the sets going to a tiebreak. Even their current rankings are close, with a difference of 124 points.
Two ball strikers who cover the court brilliantly and can display a lot of variety. Griekspoor has a better serve but it shouldn’t be much of a factor on these traditionally slower courts. This is one of those matches you wouldn’t want to miss.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
