ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions Including Kei Nishikori vs Ugo Humbert

This match features a stark contrast between the two players. Bergs is having a long-awaited breakout season, making the final in Auckland and the semifinals in Marseille, both times coming through the qualifying rounds, to finally establish himself as an ATP regular. Popyrin, on the other hand, had a career-defining 2024, winning Montreal, which means he will be seeded in most of the big tournaments this season. However, his 2025 has been far from ideal, with just one win in six matches. Both men are serve-oriented players with similar levels currently, so this match should be very tight. While Popyrin’s career has been more successful so far, it might be the Belgian, riding a huge wave of confidence, who proves more capable of rising to the occasion during the big points.

Prediction: Bergs in 3

Tristan Boyer vs Tommy Paul

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Tristan Boyer has all the qualities of a future fan favorite. His game exudes a level of self-confidence that resonates with the crowd, as demonstrated by his nail-biting comeback win over Vukic in the first round. Although all three of his career titles have come on clay, he’s already made it to the second round at both the Australian Open and now Indian Wells. However, facing Tommy Paul is a step too far for Boyer at this stage of his career. The New Jersey native is an established top-15 player, known for being extremely hard to outmaneuver from the baseline. His only losses this season have been to red-hot Aliassime, a peaking Shapovalov and world-class Zverev. Boyer simply does not have that kind of power or baseline prowess. Paul should grind down his compatriot somewhat comfortably.

Kei Nishikori vs Ugo Humbert

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Undoubtedly one of the most appealing matchups of the second round, featuring two of the sharpest ball-hitters on tour. however, it must be noted that Nishikori barely managed to get past Munar in his first-round match. Despite cruising early on, the Japanese star’s body began to falter, allowing the Spaniard to mount a comeback. Nishikori called for a medical timeout and seemed unlikely to pull through, but he ultimately advanced to the second round in a third-set tiebreak. If he’s fully recovered, this encounter will be an amazing watch. However, if his legs are feeling the consequences of a three-hour marathon, as it will most likely happen, things could take a turn for the worse. Although the slower conditions at Indian Wells may not suit Humbert’s game, the Frenchman is still one of the best players in the world.

Prediction: Humbert in 2