Indian Wells 2015 Preview & Predictions: March 16

Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells did not disappoint. Most top seeds moved on. No.7 seed Stan Wawrinka lost to Robin Haase. On the women’s side, Agnieszka Radwanska lost to Heather Watson. The field is so great at Indian Wells that even the round of 32 matches supply some high drama. Here’s a look at the highlight duels for Monday’s order of play.

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs. Kei Nishikori (JPN)

STADIUM 2, 2nd up

Verdasco is currently ranked No.31 and is on the downside of his tennis career. Still, he is one of those clay court specialists that also plays well on hard courts. His skills fit perfectly for the slower hard courts of Indian Wells.

Nishikori has been pegged as a top contender for the Indian Wells title. He looked a little flustered by the conditions and the court in his first round win over Ryan Harrison, but he played well enough to move on. Nishikori will have to up his game against the veteran Spaniard or he will be in trouble. Verdasco has beaten the man from Japan in their only two meetings.

Prediction: Nishikori

Keys is quickly rising into the conversation at the top of the tennis game.

Madison Keys (USA) vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)

STADIUM 1, 3rd up

Keys is quickly rising into the conversation at the top of the tennis game. Chris Evert recently pegged her as a dark horse to finish the season in the top ten. Keys has the most powerful serve and strokes of anyone not named Serena. When she carefully picks her moments to be aggressive, she can’t be stopped.

Jankovic is a veteran and former world No.1. She has had success in Indian Wells in the past, but she doesn’t have the firepower to hang with Keys. The tennis guard is changing and Jankovic will pass the baton here.

Prediction: Keys

John Isner (USA) vs. Kevin Anderson (RSA)

Mar 15, 2014; Indian Wells, CA, USA; John Isner (USA) during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic (SRB) at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Djokovic won 7-5, 6-7, 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

STADIUM 2, 3rd up

What a serving demonstration this will be! Isner has had plenty of success on the court of Indian Wells. He beat Novak Djokovic to reach the finals three years back and lost to him last year. The big serving American enjoys the conditions and support of the crowd. Can he set up another desert showdown with the world No.1?

Anderson has had a strong beginning to 2015, reaching two semis and a final. He utilizes a big serve of his own and follows it up with a good forehand. Isner holds a 7-3 advantage in the career head-to-head, but they have all been close. Expect the same here.

Prediction: Isner

Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs. David Ferrer (ESP)

STADIUM 3, 4th up

Tomic has finally shed the youthful inexperience. He has been spurred on by young Australians nipping at his heels. Tomic’s more focused play has served him well this year. He still losses concentration at times and his mental game will be tested against the feisty Ferrer.

Ferrer has had arguably the best season on the ATP Tour. He is 18-1 with three titles. He only loss came in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open at the hands of Nishikori. His consistency and percentage tennis will be too much for the young Aussie to handle.

Prediction: Ferrer

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS)

STADIUM 1, 7:00pm

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