ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions Including Jannik Sinner vs Thanasi Kokkinakis

Nicolas Jarry vs Fabian Marozsan

Head-to-head: First meeting

Jarry returns to hard courts after spending time on the clay court swing in South America, looking to build on a good result by making the final in Buenos Aires. He did have disappointing results in the following events, with early losses on his best surface. Marozsan has stuck to the hard courts with generally mixed results, but he is a dangerous player when everything comes together. Marozsan is also best on clay, but his body will be better adjusted as he has exclusively played hard-court events in the build-up. Jarry’s big serve should make the transition back to hard courts easier, but the combination of a lack of comfort and questionable form gives Marozsan a real chance here. Marozsan has the game to take advantage of a sluggish start by Jarry and he will prevail in a close match at ATP Indian Wells.

Predictions: Jarry in 3

Brandon Nakashima vs Jiri Lehecka

Head-to-head: 2-1 Nakashima

While Nakashima won their first two matchups in 2022, Lehecka beat him in Toronto last year and has been on a much higher trajectory. Both were seen as future stars of the tour a few years ago, and Lehecka has proven he belongs with the best while Nakashima has struggled to get over the hump, granted he has dealt with injuries. Lehecka started the year off incredibly well with a title in Adelaide and had a nice run to the quarterfinals last week in Dubai. Nakashima has played mostly on the Challenger circuit this year where he has gained match fitness and confidence with good results. Both players have plenty of power and it should be a fun match, but Nakashima has not recently proven himself against competition at the level Lehecka is playing at. Lehecka did retire from his most recent match with an arm injury, so any lingering pain could give Nakashima a chance, but assuming he is healthy, the Czech will have a big edge.

Prediction: Lehecka in 2

Jannik Sinner vs Thanasi Kokkinakis

Head-to-head: 3-0 Sinner

Sinner has won all three of their prior meetings and took both their matchups last year in straight sets. He is on fire this year, following up his Australian Open title with a dominant run to the title in Rotterdam last month. He is riding a 16-match win streak, all on hard court. Kokkinakis has had a decent start to the year but still may not be fully fit as he retired in Acapulco two weeks ago, though he looked strong in his first-round win at ATP Indian Wells. Kokkinakis has a big game and is a dangerous player, but he simply does not have anywhere near enough to stop Sinner, who will cruise to a win.

Prediction: Sinner in 2