Indian Wells ATP 1000 - Qualification Round 2 - 5th day
08/03/24
Nakashima B. VS Lehecka J.
Nakashima, a home player in great form who has shown to be very confident on this court, a player who enjoys playing at a fast pace, something his opponent can provide, and also pay attention to the support from the crowd. Lehecka, perhaps a player in confidence on this surface, stronger than his opponent, but often experiences lapses in concentration which could be costly at certain levels and against certain opponents. A contested match that could likely conclude in the third set, with Lehecka winning?
Struff J.L. vs Coric B.
Struff, a powerful player especially in baseline shots, pushes immediately whenever possible, could be vulnerable to his opponent's shot variation and also the high wind expected at the start of the match. Coric, as in yesterday's match, could capitalize on his opponent's high errors and furthermore, if Coric is ahead, he elevates the level of his shots even more.
Arnaldi M. vs Alcaraz C.
Arnaldi is experiencing a dream period and playing really well, obviously this match would be one-sided if it weren't for Alcaraz coming from a fairly serious injury, so much so that it even put his participation in doubt, we'll see how it goes but I would keep an eye on Arnaldi.
Paul T. vs Michelsen A.
Paul is not playing very well but will certainly seek redemption in this tournament where he has always performed very well, definitely stronger and more equipped with shots and variations than his opponent, who, however, will play without anything to lose, but yesterday despite everything didn't convince me; Gross errors and too many times behind in service games, things that against players of level you risk paying for.
Mannarino A. vs Machac T.
The world No. 19 Frenchman is not coming from an easy period but will certainly try to recover on a surface favorable to him, a decisive factor can be the wind. Machac already knows the court having played yesterday, but it is also true that he struggled against a not particularly irresistible opponent by now. I see a contested match where maybe Mannarino will come out on top in the third set? Let's not forget the experience factor from the Frenchman which could influence in decisive moments.