Day 3 is (no offense to any player currently on tour) when the 2025 BNP Paribas Open truly gets underway. The top seeds got a bye in the first round. Those lucky enough to get into the second round will probably face a much tougher task.
Some of the best have yet to play. That includes ATP No. 2 Alexander Zverev. ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner is suspended, of course, and will not return before early May. Novak Djokovic has not played either.
This all means Day 3 of Indian Wells should be a lot of fun. The real tournament is just beginning. There are a lot of fun matches to watch.
Three can't-miss matches on Day 3 of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open
Top-seed Alexander Zverev versus Tallon Griekspoor
Zverev needs a good run at Indian Wells to try to make inroads on ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The German reached the quarterfinals at Indian Wells last season before he was absolutely destroyed by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. That means Zverev can pick up significant points if he reaches the final, and especially if he wins.
Griekspoor is an interesting player because he hits with pace but seemingly cannot have the kind of game that is versatile enough to be a consistent contender for titles. If he plays well, he can give the German real issues. Still, in the all-time head-to-head, Zverev has a 6-1 lead.
Alex Michelsen versus Colton Smith
The reason this match is interesting is that American tennis fans can watch two young talents try to make an impression at a Masters 1000 event. Smith has never lost in his ATP tournament-sanctioned career, but that is misleading. His first ATP match happened in the first round of Indian Wells when he dispatched Flavio Cobolli in three sets.
Michelsen could develop into being one of the better American players over the next decade. He is just 20 years old, ranks 32nd on the ATP tour, and has career wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas (two, actually) and Taylor Fritz. He is a danger to defeat any player.
Cameron Norrie versus Jiri Lehecka
The odd part about this match is that Norrie seems as if he should be 38 years old (he is 29). Lehecka should be 29 (he is 23). Both players have seemingly been around forever, and yet have only played each other three times. The Brit leads the head-to-head 2-1.
Lehecka should have the advantage here as he has started 2025 somewhat well, and that includes defeating Carlos Alcaraz at the Doha Open. Still, Norrie plays with a lot of passion and is always a fun watch. Plus, either player has the ability to stun the field and win the tournament.