Indian Wells ATP 1000 - Qualification Round 2 - 6th day
09/03/24
Norrie C. vs Sonego L. Norrie, a strong player with significant variations capable of troubling anyone, especially because being left-handed changes the dynamics of the game and the cross-court exchanges (his forehand clashes with Sonego's backhand). However, it must be said that he is coming from an unhappy moment, so much so that he was forced to change his schedule and switch to playing on red clay unlike other years. Sonego, on his part, easily passed the first round and felt very comfortable on these courts, showing excellent consistency in his shots. The key to this match, in my opinion, will be the serve, which should allow both players to unleash their forehand. The start time perhaps slightly favors the shots of the Italian, it will definitely be a good match that may be decided in the third set?
Raonic M. vs Rune H.
Raonic, former world No. 3 now more than 4 years ago, has found himself at these levels and has shown to be able to handle them, his real problem now, but historically, has always been his physical condition, endowed with a lightning serve and forehand, in my opinion, he could worry the world No. 7, Rune, who since changing coach, taking Boris Becker, is finding his tennis again, enriching it also with many net approaches and volleys. However, be careful as many times, Rune, has significant concentration lapses, which against players of this caliber can cost you the set if not the match. Could he perhaps bring home the match with a comeback?
Zhang Z. vs Nardi L.
Zhang comes from the victory against the local idol Kovacevic, which allows him to continue the climb he is starting at the beginning of this season. Endowed with very powerful shots and the ability to push whenever he can, for me, the predictions of the match are in his favor, still too much difference with his opponent. Nardi comes from the defeat with Goffin in which he is drafted due to Nadal's withdrawal, he doesn't have many chances against the Chinese, he needs rhythm to get into the game, plus too many errors that cost him breaks, something that you can't afford with a player like Zhang. 2 "Over 3.5 breaks in the match
1 handicap -2.5"
Musetti L. vs Shapovalov D.
Musetti is going through a critical moment where he can't be clinical and suffers too much in match situations, very similar situation to his opponent who, however, seems to be returning to his levels which are definitely not those indicated by the rankings, he is also in confidence and in my opinion will bring the match home, not easily like yesterday's, maybe in the third set conceding the second to Musetti?
Safiullin R. vs Korda S.
A match on paper with few possibilities for Safiullin, a player who pushes a lot and often goes out of rhythm, conceding too much to the opponent, something you can't afford with Korda. The only question mark is how Korda has recovered from the injury that forced him to retire in the last tournament? He might suffer perhaps at the beginning conceding something to his opponent? He could but in the end, for me, he will win the match. The difference could be made especially by the serve from both sides.
Monfils G. vs Hurkazc H.
Monfils back to his levels and is playing very well as shown by his results and especially how his victories come. A player capable of varying shots from extraordinary power to touch shots with disarming ease. Important variations that Hurkacz, world No. 8, could suffer. Hurkacz, a very powerful player from the baseline and with a devastating serve. I see a very contested match that will definitely be decided in the third, perhaps with Hurkacz winning with a tired Monfils?