Indian Wells ATP 1000 - Qualification Round 2
05-06 March 2024
"Dzhumur D. vs Vavassori A.
Here we have two players who have had completely different preparations. Dzhumur remained on hard courts but exited in the first round of qualifiers, both in Doha and Dubai, not in much confidence and relying on rhythm. Vavassori, on the other hand, decided to play on clay, where he advanced especially in the Buenos Aires tournament, where he triumphed in doubles. I see the Italian as heavily favored; however, the Bosnian could pose a threat if Vavassori starts making many errors and gives confidence to his opponent. I don't think he'll step aside now to focus on doubles; at least, I believe he wants to enter the singles draw.
Kwon S. vs Watanuki Y.
Kwon, a Korean player who was emerging and had just reached his best ranking (52), had to stop for more than 8 months due to mandatory military service in Korea. He is a very strong player on this surface, which emphasizes rhythm, but he may face difficulties due to the long break. Watanuki, on the other hand, comes from the Los Cabos tournament, where he barely passed the first round against the local wildcard and, in general, is not displaying good gameplay. He has lost confidence and makes many mistakes in crucial moments. How do we see this match? For me, the Korean ultimately prevails, maybe in a comeback?
Halys Q. vs Quinn E.
After the second round at the Australian Open, Halys decided to play French challengers to stay close to home due to the birth of his child. During the Australian Open, he showed signs of returning to a good level of play after a year of poor results, losing 45 positions in the rankings. He faces a player on the rise, playing at home, but unlike his compatriots (e.g., Michelsen), he is still behind, and I don't think the home advantage will affect such an experienced player like the Frenchman.
Polmans M. vs Broady L.
Polmans is a very skilled player on this surface but is used to different hard courts. However, he is showing a great game. Broady, unlike the Australian, is more accustomed to these tournaments but is playing poorly and lacks confidence. I predict a balanced match, maybe going to the third set.
Seyboth wild T. vs Walton A.
Seyboth comes from a very successful tournament in terms of results on the clay in Rio. Considering the match start time, it could reflect the characteristics of the Brazilian clay. The Brazilian's problem could always be his mental approach to matches. Walton, like his aforementioned compatriot, is very good on these surfaces and known to make opponents play poorly. He could represent a threat to the Brazilian. For me, the Brazilian will ultimately win, maybe in the third set.
Grenier H. vs Medjedovic H.
Grenier is a player, certainly not at these levels, but capable of performing above his abilities in this early part of the season. Equipped with a well-worked serve and a penetrating outgoing shot, he could trouble the young opponent, especially at the start of the match. On the other hand, the young Serbian shows promise, so much so that he has caught the attention of Djokovic, who is focusing a lot on him. Even in this match, the timing may favor the Serbian, who will win the match but perhaps not with ease.
Paire B. vs Molcan A.
Paire, a player famous for his great skills and variations, which could make a difference on this surface if he weren't an authentic "Crazy Boy," as nicknamed by some of his colleagues in post-match interviews. He has been away from the circuit for a while because he has just added a figure to his team that could be fundamental (a mental coach). On the other hand, Molcan has lost some confidence on the clay after the Australian Open, so perhaps Paire, especially at the start, could trouble him? The timing should also be considered. How do I see it? Paire is even favored, mental fortitude permitting.
Moreno de Alboran N. vs Meligeni A.
The American player is making the leap from Challenger to the ATP tour this year. He has shown to be very capable on these surfaces, and today, facing a player of similar rank but with a lot of confidence on these surfaces, he could attempt the upset. Meligeni, on the other hand, comes from an early defeat in the Rio tournament on clay; he has never been impactful on hard courts, but be aware that being in the evening session, conditions could be in his favor, perhaps he can steal a set from his opponent.