ATP Indian Wells 2015: March 13 Preview & Predictions

By Nate Slaymaker | Mar 12, 2015

ATP Indian Wells 2015: March 13 Preview & Predictions

Day one of the Indian Wells tournament is underway. With all the 32 seeded players receiving a bye, the first round is a chance to get a look at dark horse players that are looking to make some noise as well as some veterans who know how to win. Friday’s schedule is filled with intriguing matches all over the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Many Americans will take the court to try to make good in front of the home crowd. Here’s a look at the best matches of the day.

Many Americans will take the court to try to make good in front of the home crowd.

Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) vs. Frank Dancevic (CAN)

STADIUM 2, 11:00am

Dolgopolov had a monster result last year at Indian Wells. He made it all the way to the semifinal, beating the likes of Rafael Nadal, Fabio Fognini, and Milos Raonic before falling to Roger Federer. Last year’s experience can either be a confidence booster for Dolgopolov or it can pack on the pressure as the Ukrainian has many rankings points to defend.

Before the rise of Raonic and Pospisil, Dancevic carried the Canadian tennis banner. He is a veteran with some good wins in the past, btu his best tennis is behind him. The two players have never met before. Dolgopolov is by far the better player in this match and if the pressure doesn’t get to him, he should move on smoothly.

Prediction: Dolgopolov

Donald Young (USA) vs. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)

STADIUM 3, 11:00am

Young is having what may turn into his best year. He has already had good results on home soil, reaching the semis in Memphis and the final at Delray Beach. Young has been an up and down player and his relationship with US tennis has similarly been a roller coaster ride. This year he appears ready to take the next step.

Carreno Busta is overshadowed by the depth of tennis in Spain, but he is a strong player. Like many of his countryman, he prefers the clay courts. He did beat Croatian teenager Borna Coric earlier this year on the hard courts of Auckland, so the potential is there. Young is playing too well this year and will have the backing of the US crowd.

Prediction: Young

More from Tournaments

Sam Querrey (USA) vs. Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR)

STADIUM 1, 2nd up

Querrey has had a disappointing start to the 2015 season. He did reach the semifinals at Memphis, but has lost in the first round of every other tournament he has played. At 27 years of age, Querrey should have the fight left in him. His demeanor is always so nonchalant that it may look like his heart is not in it at times, but don’t count out the Querrey drive.

Similar to his opponent, Stakhovsky is on the downside of his career. Yet with a 10-7 record, Stakhovsky has had a much more successful 2015 campaign. Most notably, Stakhovsky took out Stan Wawrinka in Marseille to stop an amazing run by the Swiss No.2. This match will be a tough fight to the end. Stakhovsky has had the better year, but Querrey will have the crowd on his side. Can he show enough emotion for the crowd to will him to victory?

Prediction: Stakhovsky

Aug 1, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Steve Johnson hits a backhand against Milos Raonic (not pictured) on day five of the Citi Open tennis tournament at the Fitzgerald Tennis Center. Raonic won 7-6, 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Johnson (USA) vs. Marcel Granollers (ESP)

STADIUM 2, 2nd up

Johnson has used an improved serve and big groundstrokes to have a great year. He has reached three quarterfinals and has not lost to a player ranked outside the top 30.

Granollers is another clay court specialist from Spain. He will have a hard time withstanding the quick courts and the power of Johnson.The two played last year in Tokyo, where Johnson won in three tight sets. Expect more of the same in the California desert.

Prediction: Johnson

Jack Sock (USA) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE)

STADIUM 2, 3rd up

Jack Sock has not played a match since an October loss to Raonic. The American crowd will be excited to see the young hopeful back on the court and will be in his corner from the start.

Lu is not a top 40 player, but he is a tough opponent on a hard court. He has beaten Juan Monaco and Kevin Anderson this year and has been a giant killer in the past. His consistent baseline play with test the hip and the endurance of Sock. The young American is likely not yet ready for this challenge.

Prediction: Lu

Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs. Denis Kudla (USA)

STADIUM 1, not before 8:30pm

The nighttime show that is Nick Kyrgios comes across the Pacific to entertain the US Crowd. It will be interesting to see who the late night crowd backs. It is hard not to root for the flair of the Young Australian, but Kudla is an immigrant from Ukraine that now calls the United States home.

Kyrgios has not played since his great Australian Open run. His type of game can get rusty and errors can fly quickly. Kudla is a steady groundstroke player who won’t overpower Kyrios. The match will be on the teenagers racket. He make come out of the gate a bit shaky, but will find his game in the end.

Prediction: Kyrgios

Next: Indian Wells Mens Top 8 Contenders

More from Lob and Smash

Home/Tournaments