BNP Paribas Open Predictions

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2018 ATP Indian Wells Preview and Predictions: It’s Roger Federer’s Title to Lose
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2018 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells starts off the ATP Masters 1000 season. Roger Federer is the top seed and a heavy favorite. Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori feature in the field, coming back from injuries. Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, and Marin Cilic round out the top 4 seeds. Here is your full preview, with predictions.

Federer’s Quarter

The defending champion Roger Federer should face American Ryan Harrison in round 2 (Harrison beating Federico Delbonis round 1). Look for Federer to continue his undefeated season into round 4, as Filip Krajinovic/Benoit Paire/Mitch Krueger should prove no trouble in round 3.

Adrian Mannarino and Fabio Fognini look set to clash in the third round.Mannarino should beat Marius Copil or Peter Polansky, while Fognini should have the edge against Julien Benneteau/Jeremy Chardy. I’ll back Mannarino on a hard court to reach round 4.

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Hyeon Chung has put together a solid 2018 and I’ll back the young Korean to defeat Lukas Lacko/Dusan Lajovic, and then Tomas Berdych in round 3. Berdych will face Ivo Karlovic/Max Marterer in round 2, Chung is playing better than the veteran Czech this year.

Some of tennis rising stars are in section #4 of the draw. Dominic Thiem should face Greek young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas in round 2, while Denis Shapovalov will face Ricardas Berankis, then Pablo Cuevas. Thiem is the strongest in the section and should beat Shapovalov in round 3.

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Dimitrov’s Quarter

Grigor Dimitrov has an outside shot at taking the IW title. The Bulgarian will face a tricky test in Fernando Verdasco in round 2 (or Guido Pella), with Russia’s Andrey Rublev likely in round 3. These matches should challenge Dimitrov but he should prevail. Rublev faces Reilly Opelka/Taylor Fritz in round 2.

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Roberto Bautista Agut won Dubai and should ease past Jared Donaldson/Evan King, and then Borna Coric in the third round. Coric has a relatively smooth path of Donald Young and Albert Ramos to reach round 3.

A struggling Pablo Carreno Busta faces Horacio Zeballos or Yuichi Sugita in round 2. I’ll back Sugita in an upset. Nick Kyrgios should benefit, presuming he can defeat Steve Johnson/Daniil Medvedev in round 2. Kyrgios over Sugita is my pick for the section.

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The red hot Kevin Anderson looks set to defeat Karen Khachanov/Evgeny Donskoy, and then Damir Dzumhur (or Jiri Vesely/Nicolas Kicker) to reach the round of 16.

Zverev’s Quarter

With both Feliciano Lopez and Jack Sock in mediocre form, Frances Tiafoe should benefit. The Delray champ opens with Ernesto Escobedo, Lopez will follow, with Sock likely in round 3 (presuming Sock beats Thomas Fabbiano/Bradley Klahn in round 2). I’ll back the rising Tiafoe to post a great result.

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Lucas Pouille has been fantastic in 2018, he’ll face his countryman Nicolas Mahut or Yuki Bhambri before most likely facing California’s Sam Querrey in round 3. Querrey has struggled in 2018 and has Mikhail Kukushkin/Mischa Zverev first up. I’ll go with Pouille over Querrey in round 3.

Diego Schwartzman and Peter Gojowczyk both posted solid results in recent weeks. Gojo should defeat Denis Istomin then upset Kyle Edmund in round 2. Edmund has not played since being injured in Australia. Schwartzman is my pick over Marcos Baghdatis/Yoshihito Nishioka. I’ll back Schwartzman over Gojowczyk in round 3.

Alexander Zverev opens with Mikhail Youzhny/Joao Sousa, Zverev is a heavy favorite in his section as Milos Raonic has struggled this year and neither Felix Auger-aliassime nor Vasek Pospisil are playing super well right now either. Zverev over Raonic is the pick.

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Cilic’s Quarter

Veterans David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro could face off in round 3. A struggling Ferrer will need to grind past Tennys Sandgren/Nikoloz Basilashvili in round 2. Del Potro must defeat J.L. Struff or Alex De Minaur. Del Potro will be the heavy favorite to reach round 4.

Kei Nishikori will be a heavy favorite against Leonardo Mayer/Victor Estrella, and then he should run into Novak Djokovic. Djokovic returns from injury against Cam Norrie or Taro Daniel. Nishikori is a tougher test and I don’t trust Novak’s fitness right now. Accordingly, I’ll go with Nishikori over Djokovic.

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Gael Monfils opens with Matt Ebden, he should win that and defeat a struggling John Isner to reach round 3. The Pierre-Hugues Herbert/Gilles Simon winner should be favored against a struggling Gilles Muller. Monfils over Simon is my pick in round 3.

Tim Smyczek or Laslo Djere will be first up for Philipp Kohlschreiber. Marin Cilic faces Viktor Troicki/Marton Fucsovics in his first match. Cilic over Kohlschreiber is the most realistic outcome in this section.

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Predictions

Round of 16
Federer d. Mannarino
Thiem d. Chung
Bautista Agut d. Dimitrov
Anderson d. Kyrgios
Pouille d. Tiafoe
Zverev d. Schwartzman
Del Potro d. Nishikori
Cilic d. Monfils

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Federer, Cilic, Pouille, and Del Potro should be relative favorites. The remaining matchups could go either way but form favors the victors above.

Quarters
Federer d. Thiem
Anderson d. Bautista Agut
Pouille d. Zverev
Del Potro d. Cilic

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Except for Federer’s match, these three potential quarterfinals would be crackers. I’ll back Anderson’s serve, Pouille’s form, and JMDP’s power.

Semis
Federer d. Anderson
Del Potro d. Pouille

Fans would love a Federer vs. Del Potro final, I’ll go with Federer to retain the IW title.

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Final
Federer d. Del Potro

2017 ATP Indian Wells Preview and Predictions
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The early part of the 2017 ATP World Tour season has drawn battle lines for the first Masters 1000 tournament this year. The ATP World Tour’s best (and the WTA’s best) have once again returned to the California desert for one of the biggest tournaments of the season. Veterans, young guns, and everyone in between will face off in the coming week, and here is your look at the action to come.

BNP Paribas Open
ATP World Tour Masters 1000
Indian Wells, CA, USA
March 9-19, 2017
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $6,993,450

Top 8 seeds (ATP Rankings in parentheses) (32 seeds get first round byes)
1: Andy Murray (1)
2: Novak Djokovic (2)
3: Stan Wawrinka (3)
4: Kei Nishikori (5)
5: Rafael Nadal (6)
6: Marin Cilic (7)
7: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (8)
8: Dominic Thiem (9)

Defending finalist Milos Raonic is missing, also notably absent from the first Masters 1000 of the year is Spanish veteran David Ferrer and French veterans Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon.

First round matches to watch:

Damir Dzumhur vs. Ryan Harrison

Twice an ATP quarterfinalist this season, Bosnia’s best player Dzumhur is rounding into form, but his run in IW is likely to end early because he drew the red hot Ryan Harrison in the opening round. More experienced, and more focused than ever, Harrison claimed an ATP title in Memphis and is relying on an effective forehand and aggressive tennis to win matches. He’s been playing well stateside and with the crowd behind him he should win this intriguing match.

Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Viktor Troicki

Troicki is 3-0 in the h2h against Dolgopolov but he’s lost three straight matches, while Dolgopolov won an ATP title on clay not that long ago. Both players can make some fantastic shots, and both focus and fitness will be a factor in this one. Dolgopolov has more upside here, but a steadier Troicki should have a slight edge.

Benoit Paire vs. (WC)Taylor Fritz

Benoit Paire enters IW on a four match losing streak. He has the talent to turn things around and make a run, but he may be sapped of confidence, giving young American Taylor Fritz a chance at a solid tour victory in this one. Fritz has struggled early in 2017, but Paire’s one dimensional game may result in a chance for him to find some momentum and kick start his season. With the fans behind him, as I have Fritz posting the win.

Murray’s Quarter

Andy Murray is world #1, but he has a relatively poor record in Indian Wells, particular compared to the other Masters tournaments. The British hero should make quick work of qualifier Vasek Pospisil or Rendy Lu though, and also defeat either Frances Tiafoe/Dusan Lajovic or a struggling Feliciano Lopez in the third round. The young Tiafoe has a great shot at the third round given that Lajovic isn’t an elite player and Lopez has lost three straight. Pospisil should beat Lu.

Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut should be good enough to defeat Adrian Mannarino/Juan Monaco, and also big server Reilly Opelka in round 3. Standing in the American wild card’s path to the third round is qualifier Peter Gojowczyk, and seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who much prefers clay. If he plays his best, particularly on serve, Opelka is a threat in this draw, and only RBA’s rock solid return game should stop him.

David Goffin and Ryan Harrison should face off in a big third round match. Harrison needs only to defeat Dzumhur and dirtballer Albert Ramos, while Goffin will face Russian young gun Karen Khachanov or veteran Tommy Robredo. Twice an ATP finalist this season, Goffin should ease past a struggling Khachanov, but in the third round I’ll take Harrison in an upset given the momentum behind RH right now.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga can’t complain about his path to the late stages of the tournament. Neither Konstantin Kravchuk or Fabio Fognini are much of a threat right now, and the toughest hard court player in his section is the unseeded Martin Klizan, a streaky ball basher. Also here are dirtballers Thiago Monteiro and Pablo Cuevas. After capturing two titles this season, Tsonga has his sights set on Masters success, and he should ease past Klizan to reach the round of 16.

Wawrinka’s Quarter

Stan Wawrinka crashed out of Dubai, and his section features Dubai semifinalist Robin Haase in round 2 (presuming Haase beats clay courter Paolo Lorenzi), with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Troicki/Dolgopolov looming in round 3. Despite playing poorly in Dubai and having just one match since Australia, Wawrinka is still good enough to make a run in IW if his backhand finds its groove. I have Kohlschreiber beating Troicki before falling to Wawrinka in round 3. Haase is also an interesting dark horse here but he’s been unable to string together weeks of great tennis consistently in his career.

Tomas Berdych also hasn’t posted great results this season, but with Bernard Tomic reeling after losing four straight, and the big serving Ivo Karlovic the only other major threat to his early chances, the Czech veteran should reach the round of 16. I have Tomic falling to American Bjorn Fratangelo in round 1, Karlovic should beat Acapulco quarterfinalist Yoshihito Nishioka or Elias Ymer, both of whom came from qualifying. With Karlovic struggling as well, Berdych should beat him in round 3.

Fan favorite Gael Monfils and American favorite John Isner should square off in round 3, but first Monfils will need to defeat the in-form qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili, or qualifier Darian King. Isner will need to defeat Jordan Thompson or fading veteran Dmitry Tursunov. Isner has not had a good season, and although he should beat Thompson, Monfils is a clear favorite to reach the round of 16. Watch out for Memphis finalist Basilashvili here as well.

Young Dominic Thiem has a section he should dominate. Neither Jeremy Chardy or qualifier Radu Albot are playing well enough to threaten him in round 2. The seed Mischa Zverev has been in awful form since Australia, and both Joao Sousa and Diego Schwartzman are transitioning from clay. Thiem should defeat Chardy and Sousa to reach the round of 16.

Nishikori’s Quarter

Despite a potentially tricky path, Japanese #1 Kei Nishikori should reach at least the last 16. Nishikori will face Dan Evans or Dustin Brown, with big server Gilles Muller likely to follow, presuming Muller defeats Renzo Olivo/Jiri Vesely. Evans has been poor the last few weeks, and while Nishikori is not in form, he should be able to find some form and beat Evans and Muller.

Acapulco champion Sam Querrey is in great form right now, but will face the pressure of backing up his run down in Mexico against an American in round 2, either Stefan Kozlov or Donald Young. Lucas Pouille will face Santiago Giraldo or J.L. Struff for a spot in the third round opposite Querrey. Querrey served well in Acapulco and he’s never lost to Young (2-0 h2h). He should beat the x2 semifinalist in 2017, Young, then I have him defeating an in-form Lucas Pouille, after Pouille beats Struff.

One of the best matches of the tournament should be a third round clash between Grigor Dimitrov and Jack Sock. Both fan favorites, they are in excellent form, playing the best tennis of their careers, and only Borna Coric/Henri Laaksonen, and Daniil Medvedev/Mikhail Youzhny stand in their way. Dimitrov should defeat Medvedev, Sock should defeat Coric, and then their 17-2 and 12-2 tour records this season respectively should go head to head. Sock has a 2-1 h2h edge, but I feel Dimitrov is narrowly the better player in this one.

After reaching the semis in Acapulco, Marin Cilic has an easy path to the round of 16. Cilic needs only to defeat Fritz/Paire, and one of Malek Jaziri/Nicolas Mahut/Marcel Granollers to make it to that fourth round stage. I have Cilic beating Fritz and Jaziri in his first two matches. Granollers has had a poor season and Mahut is not playing great right now.

Djokovic’s Quarter

Novak Djokovic already has two losses on the season, but he’s still bidding for a fourth straight and sixth overall IW title. Djokovic has not been at the top of his game this season, which could create opportunity for Juan Martin Del Potro in round 3, presuming JMDP puts away either a struggling Andrey Kuznetsov or countryman Federico Delbonis. Even with Djokovic’s outlook in question, Del Potro lost a three setter to him in Acapulco, and although I expect them to battle, Djokovic should again have the upper hand.

This quarter of the draw is by far the best. Young guns Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev should have a big third round clash, as long as Zverev finishes off qualifier Julien Benneteau or Facundo Bagnis, and Kyrgios defeats qualifier Marius Copil or Horacio Zeballos. Kyrgios has two semifinals this season, and a win over Djokovic. Zverev has a tour title this season. Having never met at the ATP or Challenger tour level before, it’s hard to predict the winner. However on hard courts I have Kyrgios beating Copil and Zverev, after Zverev beats Benneteau.

Roger Federer suffered a stunning Dubai early defeat, but the four time IW champion has a relatively easy path to the round of 16 as long as Steve Johnson doesn’t pull a monumental upset. Federer will face over 30 straggler Dudi Sela, or 36 year old journeyman Stephane Robert in round 2, while Johnson will likely draw Kevin Anderson, looking for his first win back from injury against qualifier Federico Gaio. Johnson has been a model of consistency at reaching quarterfinals or semifinals this season, but his upside is less than Federer who hits forehand and serves better, both of Johnson’s strengths.

Acapulco finalist Rafael Nadal and Dubai finalist Fernando Verdasco are set to clash in round 3, renewing their rivalry. Nadal needs only to defeat another Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, or Argentine Guido Pella in round 2. Verdasco should draw serve and volleyer Pierre-Hugues Herbert, presuming Herbert defeats a struggling Thomaz Bellucci. Verdasco has the game to beat Nadal, but Nadal has had a great hard court season thus far, and I would not want to face him right now. A three-time champion in Indian Wells, Nadal has a shot at making it four, and should reach the round of 16 to keep his hopes alive.

Dark Horses: Ryan Harrison, Nikoloz Basilashvili, Sam Querrey, Juan Martin Del Potro

I have Harrison upsetting Goffin to reach the round of 16, he’ll have a shot against Tsonga as well, having found renewed focus and belief in his tennis. Basilashvili has it tough against Monfils but if he wins that match the quarterfinals will be within his sights. Querrey has to beat Young and Pouille just to reach the last 16, and Nishikori is tough at that point, but the California boy can pull it off. Del Potro also has a difficult draw with Djokovic and Kyrgios/Zverev back to back. The former slam champion certainly has the shots to win those matches though.

Predictions

Round of 16
Murray d. Bautista Agut
Tsonga d. Harrison
Wawrinka d. Berdych
Thiem d. Monfils
Dimitrov d. Cilic
Querrey d. Nishikori
Nadal d. Federer
Djokovic d. Kyrgios

The Men’s quarterfinalists in the top half should stay true to form, as Murray and Tsonga have clear edges in their matches. Wawrinka has dominated Berdych in recent years, and Thiem leads Monfils 2-0 in the h2h.

Cilic has a 3-1 edge on Dimitrov but I can’t go against the Bulgarian’s form. Querrey has four wins against Nishikori, and form actually favors him right now. Nadal, even on a hard court, should have a narrow edge against Federer, their AO final aside, Nadal has consistently been at a higher level this season. Djokovic lost to Kyrgios in Acapulco, but he’s more likely to get revenge than Kyrgios is at winning twice in a row against an elite player.

Quarters
Murray d. Tsonga
Thiem d. Wawrinka
Dimitrov d. Querrey
Nadal d. Djokovic

Murray has won five straight meetings against Tsonga, Wawrinka has a 2- h2h against Thiem, but Thiem is playing better right now in the battle of one-handed backhands. Dimitrov has never lost to Querrey (2-0), and despite not having defeated Djokovic on a hard court since 2013, Nadal has simply been better than the Serbian superstar this season. Indian Wells isn’t the fastest court in the world, and that gives Nadal a better shot than at some venues. I’ll call the upset.

Semis
Murray d. Thiem
Nadal d. Dimitrov

Murray and Nadal have dominated Thiem and Dimitrov respectively, and although it would be nice to get someone over than the big four in a Masters final, it all likelihood a mix of Murray, Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer will make-up the 2017 IW final.

Final
Murray d. Nadal

Despite a substantive h2h edge for Nadal, Murray is the best player in the world right now, especially on hard courts. He has his struggles, but overall Murray is simply better than Nadal, Djokovic, Wawrinka, Nishikori, and Federer right now. Now is as good a time as any for him to win his first IW title.

2016 ATP Indian Wells Preview and Predictions
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 2016 ATP Masters series calendar kicks off with the joint ATP/WTA event in sunny Indian Wells, CA, with most of the world’s best players participating.

BNP Paribas Open
ATP World Tour Masters 1000*
Indian Wells, CA, USA
March 10-20, 2016
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $6,134,605

Top 8 seeds (ATP ranking in parentheses) (32 seeds receive first round byes)
1: Novak Djokovic (1)
2: Andy Murray (2)
3: Stan Wawrinka (4)
4: Rafael Nadal (5)
5: Kei Nishikori (6)
6: Tomas Berdych (7)
7: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (9)
8: Richard Gasquet (10)

Roger Federer, David Ferrer, Kevin Anderson, Marcos Baghdatis, and Fabio Fognini are among notable names missing from this Masters tournament.

First round matchups to watch:

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Ernests Gulbis vs. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez

Ernests Gulbis is ranked outside the top 70, but the big hitting Latvian can still have moments of greatness, and he has a 2-1 h2h edge over his first round opponent Garcia-Lopez. GGL has lost three straight matches, and really could use a win in this one, expect a competitive contest with Gulbis having a slight edge.

Vasek Pospisil vs. (WC)Jared Donaldson

It’s been a disappointing year thus far for young American Jared Donaldson. He has just three match wins, and no main draw wins through March. Vasek Pospisil has also had a miserable year with just two match wins all season (2-6 record). Pospisil has a big serve and he’s higher ranked, thus he’s the favorite, but both guys need spring renewal in Indian Wells.

Lukas Rosol vs. Adrian Mannarino

The big hitting Rosol is 3-1 against Mannarino on hard courts, and he’s had an inconsistent year thus far. Mannarino has a pair of ATP quarterfinals on his resume, but his game isn’t a great matchup against Rosol, and he’s likely the underdog in this style contrast.

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(WC)Frances Tiafoe vs. (WC)Taylor Fritz

A battle of teenagers, Tiafoe has a pair of challenger quarterfinals this year as he is working his way up on tour. Fritz has risen into the top 80 with an ATP final (Memphis) and a quarterfinal (Acapulco). Both have a bright future, and could be the two stars of American tennis within a few years, in this matchup though, Fritz is a clear favorite.

(Q)Tim Smyczek vs. (WC)Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro made a successful return to the ATP tour in Delray Beach, where he reached the semifinals. Smyczek qualified, and has a quarterfinal in Delray Beach as well. Del Potro is the better player, and should be the favorite, but Smyczek is a good form test for him, and his wrist.

Borna Coric vs. Lucas Pouille

Borna Coric hasn’t been in great form since he reached an ATP final at the start of the season. The young Croatian is a great talent though, and should be able to outpace Pouille and his powerful forehand. Pouille is seeking an ATP breakthrough in a big tournament like this, and he’ll take his chances in this match between young guns.

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Rajeev Ram vs. (Q)Noah Rubin

Delray Beach finalist Rajeev Ram will put his serve and volley game up against qualifier Noah Rubin. The young Rubin has a bright future, and American tennis fans should be sure to check out his game. He’s a bit of an underdog in this match, but it could go either way.

Top Half:

Djokovic’s quarter

Novak Djokovic had a tough time in Davis Cup play over the weekend, and retired with an eye infection at his last tournament in Dubai. With that said, when he’s healthy the world #1 is practically impossible to stop, as he’s proven at tournaments prior to Dubai over the past few months. Presuming good health, Djokovic should get past qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo, or a struggling Teymuraz Gabashvili before running into #27 seed Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round. Kohlschreiber is 10-5 on the season and went 2-0 in Davis Cup action over the weekend. The veteran’s solid recent hard court form should give him an edge over Denis Kudla or Denis Istomin in round 2. Istomin hasn’t won a match this season, and Kudla has lost three straight. Djokovic is 4-0 against Kohli on hard courts and should advance to the fourth round.

#14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut is on track to face Djokovic in the 4th round. RBA is 16-4 on the season, and has been playing the tennis of his career. He’ll open with either Mikhail Youzhny or Aljaz Bedene, most likely the in-form Youzhny, with #18 seed Feliciano Lopez likely to follow. The Dubai semifinalist Lopez will face Gulbis/Garcia-Lopez round 2. Lopez won their only h2h meeting but given his recent form RBA has an edge.

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#7 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will face qualifier Vincent Millot, or wild card Mackenzie McDonald in his opening match. Tsonga has struggled as of late and he should be on upset alert against American Sam Querrey. The 28 year old is 11-4 on the tour this year with two ATP semifinals, and an ATP final in recent weeks. Querrey will be the favorite against Jiri Vesely or Thiemo De Bakker in his first match. Tsonga and Querrey are 1-1 in the h2h on hard courts.

#11 seed Dominic Thiem is set to face Querrey/Tsonga in the round of 16. Thiem has 2 ATP titles, and a 10-3 record this season. He’s making a push for a top 10 ranking at 22 years old, and will be a favorite against either Pierre- Hugues Herbert or Jozef Kovalik in round 2, both are qualifiers, with Herbert likely better on a hard court. #21 seed Jack Sock should defeat either qualifier Michael Berrer, or Juan Monaco. Thiem beat Sock last year in Miami, and he’ll be the favorite once more in round 3.

Nadal’s quarter

#4 seed Rafael Nadal is just 8-4 this year, and playing well below his usual lofty standards. With that said, he’s still a likely favorite against either Gilles Muller or Victor Estrella in round 2, with both players in poor form as of late. Nadal is likely to face Martin Klizan in round 3. The Rotterdam champion is a big hitter who has been in good form, and he should dispatch Fernando Verdasco in round 2. Verdasco opens with qualifier Peter Polansky. Klizan has a hard court win over Nadal, and Rafa should be on upset alert, but I still give him an edge to prevail due to his experience and fight.

A battle between the veteran Gilles Simon, and Grigor Dimitrov is likely to conspire in the third round for the right to face Nadal/Klizan. Dimitrov is likely to open with young gun Alexander Zverev, Zverev is rising fast with an ATP semifinal and quarterfinal this season. He opens with serve and volleyer Ivan Dodig. Dimitrov is a solid 12-5 on the season, and should get past that matchup to face Simon. Gilles hasn’t been great this year (4-5), but he should defeat Donaldson/Pospisil, as he just beat Pospisil in Davis Cup. Dimitrov was 0-4 against Simon until he beat him in Brisbane this year, and he should beat him again to reach the fourth round.

American #1 John Isner is set to have a good tournament on North American hard courts. The hard serving big man should defeat either Andreas Seppi or Donald Young to setup a third round match with Benoit Paire. Paire has two ATP semis this year but is wildly inconsistent. His first opponent will be Rosol or Mannarino. Paire and Rosol have met twice this year on hard courts, and split meetings. Isner is 1-0 against Paire on hard courts, and a better player on the surface.

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#5 seed Kei Nishikori comes off a Davis Cup weekend to face either Mikhail Kukushkin or Daniel Munoz De La Nava first up. Kei is 11-4 on the season with 1 ATP title, he’s been slightly disappointing, but he should roll past Kukushkin and setup a third round match with Southern California native Steve Johnson. Johnson has struggled to a 3-6 record this year, but IW is his home tournament, and hard courts are his best surface. He should defeat Alexander Sarkissian or John Millman in round 2 as Millman hasn’t been in great form either. Nishikori is 3-0 against Johnson.

Bottom Half:

Murray’s Quarter

The British #1 opens with either Damir Dzumhur or Marcel Granollers. Andy Murray should handle that with ease, and also slip past Joao Sousa in the third round as he has a routine early draw. Sousa opens with Santiago Giraldo or Federico Delbonis as this section is full of players who prefer clay. Sousa is looking for his first ATP win since the Aussie open, where he lost to Murray in round 3.

Gael Monfils and Nick Kyrgios should setup a star studded third round matchup for the right to face Murray. Monfils opens with either Evgeny Donskoy or Pablo Carreno Busta, both of whom are well below his level, while Kyrgios will face either Hyeon Chung or Albert Ramos. Monfils has a lone h2h win over Kyrgios, and both are in great form (9-3 for Monfils, and 10-2 for Kyrgios). I give Monfils a slight edge to advance given Kyrgios has been struggling with back problems.

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Aussie open semifinalist Milos Raonic returns from an injury to face either Nicolas Almagro or Inigo Cervantes in his first match. Raonic is a dangerous player on hard courts and already has an ATP title this year. If he stays aggressive, and doesn’t have too much rust he should do some damage in the draw and slide past Bernard Tomic in the third round. Tomic, the #17 seed, opens with Ram/Rubin, and should defeat most likely Ram once again. Raonic beat Tomic in Brisbane this year and should do so again if he’s fit.

Tomas Berdych opens with either Smyczek or Del Potro, and unless Del Potro is rapidly improving, the Czech should prevail. Berdych retired injured in Davis Cup play over the weekend, but if that was precautionary he should defeat Borna Coric or Thomaz Bellucci, most likely the young Coric in round 3. Bellucci is just 1-3 on hard courts this year. Berdych will be a heavy favorite against Coric if healthy.

Dubai champion Stan Wawrinka continues to be in the top tier of the men’s game. His gifted one hand backhand has won him many matches, and he should slip past either Dmitry Tursunov or Acapulco quarterfinalist Illya Marchenko, with Tursunov returning from injury. The 13-2 Wawrinka should face Jeremy Chardy in round 3, but I have Andrey Kuznetsov, an improving Russian player, defeating qualifier Marco Trungelliti, and Chardy to reach the third round. Kuznetsov beat Chardy at the Aussie Open this year and has two ATP quarterfinals to his name this season. Wawrinka should ease past Kuznetsov at that point.

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David Goffin has a draw that he should be able to get to the fourth round in. Goffin opens with Fritz/Tiafoe, who could knock him off, but his third round match against one of Pablo Cuevas/Kyle Edmund/Guido Pella is an easy one. Cuevas isn’t a hard court player, but he’s been in great form as of late, and that should help him past Edmund, who has been stuck at the challenger level most of this year. Goffin is 8-4 on the year.

Richard Gasquet has his own chance to make noise at IW, but he’ll need to be fit and fresh to face his serve and volleying countryman Nicolas Mahut, or qualifier Renzo Olivo. Mahut can pull off upsets, but the real test will come for Gasquet in round 3 against Alexandr Dolgopolov, the #26 seed. Dolgopolov opens with Diego Schwartzman or Robin Haase, and he should ease into the third round. Gasquet leads the h2h with Dolgo 2-0, Dolgo has two quarterfinals and a semifinal on the ATP tour this year, but Gasquet has a title and a quarterfinal in his own right. It will be an exciting match, but I have the veteran Frenchman advancing.

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Marin Cilic is the most likely opponent for Gasquet/Dolgopolov, Cilic opens with either qualifier Ryan Harrison or Dusan Lajovic. Cilic is a rather pedestrian 9-7 on the year, but hard courts are a favorable surface, and Harrison isn’t likely to pull the upset. Viktor Troicki or Leonardo Mayer will be his third round opponent. Mayer opens with a winless Sam Groth, while Troicki struggled in Davis Cup play but his 13-6 on the season and has played great for parts of this year. Troicki has won the last five meetings against Cilic, but Cilic won the first four and has been in better form.

Dark Horses (one for each quarter of the draw): Dominic Thiem, John Isner, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Juan Martin Del Potro

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Thiem should beat Sock, and Tsonga/Querrey to reach the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic is the worst opponent one could have, but if he’s not 100% Thiem could pull an upset. I have Isner reaching the semis, he tends to do well on North American hard courts and a late round path of Paire, Nishikori, and Nadal/Dimitrov is a winnable one, with all of those players showing shaky form as of late.

Dolgopolov needs to upset Gasquet and Cilic to make a deep run, but it’s quite possible he could do sow with his shotmaking game. Del Potro has to face Berdych in round 2, and he’ll likely go down in defeat, but JMDP showed a strong forehand and great serve in Delray Beach, and if he continues to improve, he should be a force on tour in the months to come.

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Predictions

Round of 16
Djokovic d. Bautista Agut
Thiem d. Querrey
Nadal d. Dimitrov
Isner d. Nishikori
Gasquet d. Cilic
Wawrinka d. Goffin
Raonic d. Berdych
Murray d. Monfils

Djokovic is 3-0 against RBA, Thiem beat Querrey in Acapulco, Nadal is 7-0 against Dimitrov, and Isner has split meetings against Nishikori. Gasquet is 2-0 against Cilic, Wawrinka is 3-0 against Goffin, Raonic is 3-1 on hard courts against Berdych in what will be a competitive match, and Murray is 2-1 against Monfils on hard courts.

Quarters
Djokovic d. Thiem
Isner d. Nadal
Wawrinka d. Gasquet
Murray d. Raonic

Djokovic has a h2h win over Thiem, Isner is 0-6 against Nadal, but with Rafa in decline, I have him earning his first win over the Spaniard. Wawrinka vs. Gasquet should be interesting with how great their backhands are, but Wawrinka should be slightly better. Murray has won his last three meetings against Raonic, who is returning from injury.

Semis
Djokovic d. Isner
Murray d. Wawrinka

Djokovic has five straight wins over Wawrinka, Murray has lost his last three meetings against Wawrinka, but I have him defeating Stan due the fact he’s fitter and fresher most likely for Indian Wells tennis.

Final
Djokovic d. Murray

Djokovic has had a clear edge over Murray as of late, Andy will have his chances, but this tournament is Novak’s to lose. The four time, and twice defending champion Novak should take title #5 in IW.

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Steen Kirby (Marseille)

Tennis Atlantic 2015 ATP Draw Challenge Week 9/10 (Indian Wells)
Staff, Tennis Atlantic

The Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells is the only tournament for the next couple of weeks, the worlds best take to the hard courts of the California desert, and here are our analysts predictions as to what the results will be. Joining us this week and for the rest of the season is our new writer Joe Craven, who will be adding his 2 cents to the discussion. A big welcome to Joe, and without further adieu, here are the picks.

Steen Kirby predictions:

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Melzer, Lajovic vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Monaco, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Coric, Dodig vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Kukushkin, Becker vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Groth vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Matosevic, De Bakker vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Harrison vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Brown, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Ito, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Krajinovic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Bolt, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Stakhovsky vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Krajicek, Lu vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Youzhny, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Becker, Mannarino vs. Groth, Lopez vs. De Bakker, Verdasco vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Dolgopolov, Robredo vs. Kyrgios, Simon vs. Gasquet, Young vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Klizan, Johnson vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Anderson, Garcia-Lopez vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Mannarino, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Kyrgios, Gasquet vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Federer
Final: Djokovic vs. Federer
Champion: Djokovic

Niall Clarke’s predictions

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Melzer, Lajovic vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Monaco, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Coric, Dodig vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Kukushkin, Smyczek vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Groth vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Matosevic, Nieminen vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Harrison vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Golubev, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Jaziri, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Sijsling vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Haase, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Stakhovsky vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Krajicek, Lu vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Youzhny, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Groth, Lopez vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Dolgopolov, Robredo vs. Kyrgios, Simon vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Klizan, Johnson vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Isner, Garcia-Lopez vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Fognini, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Kyrgios, Simon vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Federer
Final: Djokovic vs. Federer
Champion: Djokovic

Courtney Massey’s predictions

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Melzer, Delbonis vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Monaco, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Haider-Maurer, Sousa vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Pospisil, Smyczek vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Gimeno-Traver vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Roger-Vasselin, Nieminen vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Fish vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Brown, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Ito, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Sijsling vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Bolt, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Istomin, Lu vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Hanescu, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Monaco vs. Kokkinakis, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Smyczek, Fognini vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Anderson, Monaco vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Fognini, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Dimitrov, Simon vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Karlovic, Bautista Agut vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Dimitrov vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Nishikori, Nadal vs. Federer
Final: Djokovic vs. Nadal
Champion: Djokovic

Chris de Waard’s predictions

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Melzer, Lajovic vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Monaco, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Haider-Maurer, Sousa vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Kukushkin, Smyczek vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Groth vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Roger-Vasselin, De Bakker vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Harrison vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Brown, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Jaziri, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Krajinovic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Bolt, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Stakhovsky vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Krajicek, Sock vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Hanescu, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Smyczek, Mannarino vs. Groth, Lopez vs. Cuevas, Thiem vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Dolgopolov, Brown vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Klizan, Johnson vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Sock, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Isner, Garcia-Lopez vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Manarino, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Dimitrov, Gasquet vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Berdych, Sock vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Murray, Nadal vs. Wawrinka
Final: Djokovic vs. Wawrinka
Champion: Djokovic

Jeff McMillan’s predictions

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Novikov, Delbonis vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Monaco, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Coric, Dodig vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Pospisil, Becker vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Groth vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Matosevic, Nieminen vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Harrison vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Brown, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Jaziri, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Krajinovic vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Haase, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Johnson, Querrey vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Istomin, Lu vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Hanescu, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Kokkinakis, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Dolgopolov, Brown vs. Kyrgios, Simon vs. Gasquet, Young vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Klizan, Johnson vs. Berdych, Istomin vs. Lu, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Isner, Cilic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Fognini, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Dimitrov, Simon vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Johnson, Lu vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Simon, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Murray, Raonic vs. Wawrinka
Final: Djokovic vs. Wawrinka
Champion: Djokovic

Joe Craven’s predictions

Round 2 matches: Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Troicki vs. Benneteau, Isner vs. Melzer, Delbonis vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Gabashvili, Kokkinakis vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Haider-Maurer, Sousa vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Pospisil, Smyczek vs. Kohlschreiber, Fognini vs. Mannarino, Groth vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Roger-Vasselin, Nieminen vs. Cuevas, Verdasco vs. Thiem, Harrison vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Bolelli, Dolgopolov vs. Giraldo, Robredo vs. Brown, Kyrgios vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Jaziri, Estrella vs. Gasquet, Chardy vs. Young, Sijsling vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Haase, Klizan vs. Rosol, Karlovic vs. Granollers, Stakhovsky vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Krajicek, Sock vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Youzhny, Janowicz vs. Federer
Round 3 matches: Djokovic vs. Troicki, Isner vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Garcia-Lopez, Tomic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Smyczek, Fognini vs. Gulbis, Lopez vs. Nieminen, Verdasco vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs. Dolgopolov, Robredo vs. Dimitrov, Simon vs. Gasquet, Young vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Klizan, Karlovic vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Muller, Seppi vs. Federer
Round of 16 matches: Djokovic vs. Anderson, Cilic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Manarino, Lopez vs. Nishikori, Raonic vs Kyrgios, Gasquet vs. Nadal, Wawrinka vs. Berdych, Bautista Agut vs. Federer
Quarterfinals: Djokovic vs. Ferrer, Murray vs. Nishikori, Dimitrov vs. Simon, Wawrinka vs. Federer
Semifinals: Djokovic vs. Nishikori, Simon vs. Federer
Final: Djokovic vs. Federer
Champion: Djokovic

Djokovic is the unanimous pick to win the title, opinions are mixed on how Nadal, Murray, Nishikori, Federer, Wawrinka and other big names will fare

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Week 8 standings

Dubai
1: Niall (134 points) (+500 overall)
2: Courtney (132 points) (+300 overall)
3: Steen (108 points) (+180 overall)
4: Chris (88 points) (+180 overall)
5: Jeff (80 points) (+90 overall)

Niall rightfully had a Djokovic vs Federer final with Federer winning, as did Courtney, and they led the way this week in a razor thin result.

Acapulco

1: Niall (104 points) (+500 overall)
2: Chris (100 points) (+300 overall)
3: Courtney (100 points) (+300 overall)
4: Steen (84 points) (+180 overall)
5: Jeff (82 points) (+90 overall)

Niall had a Nishikori vs Ferrer final and edged out Chris and Courtney in previous rounds, as he swept this week.

Buenos Aires

1: Niall (136 points) (+250 overall)
2: Steen (98 points) (+150 overall)
3: Chris (96 points) (+90 overall)
4: Jeff (84 points) (+90 overall)
5: Courtney (70 points) (+45 overall)

Niall dominated in BA, as he cemented a remarkable sweep of all three ATP events.

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Overall standings (after week 7)

1: Steen: 4620 ranking points (+510 points overall)
2: Niall: 3620 points (+1250 points overall)
3: Courtney: 3445 points (+645 points overall)
4: Chris: 3320 points (+570 points overall)
5: Jeff: 3270 points (+270 points overall)
6: Joe 3000 points*

Niall rocketed from last place to second with his sweep of the weeks tournaments, Jeff had a strong week prior but struggled this week and dropped back into last, while Steen still has an edge in the overall horse race.

*As mentioned, Joe will be joining the draw challenge partially through as he is now joining the TA staff team, he has been awarded a mutually decided 3000 overall points so that he has a fair enough footing to compete with the others.

ATP Draw Challenge (London Queens)

2015 Indian Wells @BNPPARIBASOPEN ATP Qualifying Headliners Include Young Guns Coric, Nishioka, Veterans Melzer, Mathieu, and Sela

Posted by Admin on March 10, 2015

Posted in: Adam Addicott, ATP, Indian Wells. Tagged: 2015 ATP Indian Wells, 2015 ATP Indian Wells Qualifying, 2015 BNP Paribas Open, 2015 BNP Paribas Open Qualifying, 2015 Indian Wells Qualifying, Alexander Zverev, atp, ATP BNP Paribas Open, ATP Indian Wells, ATP Indian Wells Preview, ATP Indian Wells Qualifying, ATP Qualifying, BNP Paribas Open, BNP Paribas Open Predictions, BNP Paribas Open Preview, BNP Paribas Open Qualifying, Borna Coric, Damir Dzumhur, dudi sela, Indian Wells Preview, Indian Wells qualies, Indian Wells Qualifying, Indian Wells Tennis, James Ward, Jared Donaldson, Jurgen Melzer, Michael Berrer, Paul Henri Mathieu, tennis, Thiemo De Bakker, Yoshihito Nishioka.

2015 Indian Wells ATP Qualifying Headliners Include Young Guns Coric, Nishioka, Veterans Melzer, Mathieu, and Sela
Adam Addicott and Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

Whilst the top stars of the ATP World Tour will make their final preparations for the first Masters event of 2015 at Indian Wells on the practice courts. The competitive action in the men’s draw will begin today with the start of the qualifying event. 48 players will battle against each other on court during two rounds in order to win one of the 12 qualification slots in the main draw. The 12 qualifiers will also get a guaranteed $10,485 for playing in the first round.

Heading the seeds will be teenage sensation Borna Coric. The 18-year-old comes into the event will a huge amount of confidence following his impressive run at the ATP Dubai Open where he beat Andy Murray to reach the semi final of the tournament. His Dubai performance has elevated him to a career ranking high of 60 in the world. In the first round, he will play Artem Smirnov from the Ukraine and could potentially face Gastão Elias in the next round if all goes to plan. If the Croatian qualifies for the main draw, it will be the first Master event that he has participated in. Look for Coric, if he can avoid a hangover from Davis Cup in Europe, to qualify as he’s the strongest player in his section by far.

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Second seed Go Soeda has so far experienced a very average start to 2015. He reached the second round of the Australian Open after beating Elias Ymer in the first round and also reached the second round of the ATP Zagreb Open. Despite being ranked 84 in the world, the Japanese player is yet to beat a top 100 played in 2015. The highest ranked player he has beaten so far this year was Matthias Bachinger (119) last month. In the first round, he will player world 164 Alex Bolt. Soeda comes off Davis Cup for Japan, and may be fatigued, giving Bolt a decent shot an upset, however the Aussie is 1-2 with a retirement in his last four matches, and that does not bode well for his chances. I expect Alejandro Falla to be the round 2 opponent for Soeda, as the veteran ball striker is in better form than James McGee, even though he’s struggled all year himself. McGee has lost four straight, while Falla has at least managed some wins at a lower level. I also favor Falla over Soeda to qualify.

Jurgen Melzer (3) is bidding to play in the Indian Wells main draw for the 12th consecutive year. Melzer, who reached the fourth round of the tournament back in 2010, is hoping to regain some solid form in his game after a poor month. The former world number 8 has lost 5 out of his last 6 matches played. The veteran player will open up his qualifying campaign against another veteran player Danai Udomchoke. 33-year-old Udomchoke is currently ranked 326 in the world, however he has been ranked high as 77 back in 2007. On paper this sound be a straight forward encounter for Melzer and could potentially face 2014 Australian Open junior champion Alexander Zverev in the final round.Given his poor showing in Davis Cup, I see Melzer winning his round 2 match but losing to either the young gun Zverev, or American veteran Michael Russell, who always plays his best on home soil.

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Completing the top five seeds are Damir Džumhur and Spainiard Daniel Gimeno-Traver. Dzumhur, who rose to media spotlight last year where he reached the third round as a qualifier at the Australian Open, will play Frank Dancevic in their first ever meeting. Meanwhile Gimeno-Trove will play Jason Jung from America in what will also be their first ever meeting. Dzumhur played well in Davis Cup, so he should be able to defeat Dancevic and veteran Philipp Petzschner or Marco Cecchinato thereafter to qualify.

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As for DGT, if he wins his first match over Jung, he will not be favored, given he much prefers clay, against Aljaz Bedene who has had a strong 2015 thus far. Bedene has American Dennis Novikov as his first opponent.

6 seed Tobias Kamke has an interesting round 1 match against Nikoloz Basilashvili of the Republic of Georgia. Basilashvili started the year off strong and won his first ever ATP main draw match, but he’s cooled off since then with three straight ATP qualifying losses. Kamke is to some extent a declining veteran so I have him falling to Basilashvili, and then the Georgian regaining form and qualifying with a win over either Alex Kuznetsov or Victor Hanescu, both steady veterans.

7 seed Farrukh Dustov, who has a challenger title this season, should defeat struggling young American Mackenzie McDonald, but he’s not the favorite in his section, that title goes to the retiring serve and volleyer Michael Berrer, who will face young gun Taro Daniel (who he beat this year in AO qualies). Berrer should qualify given his good form this year, that included a win over Rafael Nadal in Doha, though this is an unpredictable section.

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Look for Aussie J.P. Smith to upset Filip Krajinovic, the 8 seed. Krajinovic played Davis Cup this weekend and he’s not as formidable on hard courts, while Smith is perhaps nearing a major breakthrough. Either Smith or Polish veteran Lukasz Kubot are most likely to qualify in this section, as Kubot also comes off DC duty and faces another Aussie, Luke Saville in round 1.

9 seed James Duckworth does not have an easy matchup with rapidly improving American Jared Donaldson who will have the home fans behind him. I believe in Donaldson this time around to qualify on home soil, with wins over Duckworth and American Rajeev Ram, who faces Marco Trungelliti in round 1.

10 seed Paul-Henri Mathieu, who has been up and down this season, faces USC standout Yannick Hanfmann, a wild card, and then he is likely to face his struggling countryman Edouard Roger-Vasselin in round 2 (ERV faces dirtballer Guido Andreozzi in round 1). ERV has plenty of talent but he’s been poor for quite some time, and PHM should be the one to qualify.

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Davis Cup Hero James Ward also has a good shot at qualifying as he continues his quest to break into the top 100, Ward Faces Mitchell Krueger of the USA in round 1, and then the winner of Yoshito Nishioka vs. the veteran Mischa Zverev (the older brother of Alex), in round 1. I have Nishioka qualifying, as he did in Delray, but Ward is also playing well so it’s a tough call.

12 seed Dudi Sela struggled in Davis Cup action for Israel, but he’s still favored to beat young American Taylor Harry Fritz. Look for a relatively in-form Thiemo De Bakker to beat Emilio Gomez and then Sela to qualify, as he could pose a threat to the main draw entrants if he does qualify. De Bakker has always had the talent, but his effort and desire has been lacking at times.

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The action should be quite exciting from Indian Wells, and Adam will have a recap of the qualifying results once the qualifying tournament concludes on Wednesday.

Adam Addicott TA Watermark