By Tony FairbairnJannik Sinner [2] v Denis ShapovalovCoco Gauff [4] v Alexandra Eala [31]Ben Shelton [8] v Learner Tien [25]INDIAN WELLS, USA – Jannik Sinner will aim to halt Denis Shapovalov’s recent momentum as the Italian aims to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Jannik Sinner [2] v Denis Shapovalov H2H & Match FundamentalsJannik Sinner [2] v Denis ShapovalovH2H: Tied at 1-1 Indian Wells 2026 Indian Wells, USAHard (O) Prize Money: $61,865Third on Stadium One (21:30 GMT) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It was a convincing opening round win for Jannik Sinner who is hoping to break his 2026 title duck at Indian Wells. The Italian’s Australian Open semi-final exit would have hurt and that showed in his early exit in Doha. Having been so used to being the dominant figure on the tour, Sinner now needs to show a response that he is still the man to beat on hard courts. However, there is no need to panic for Sinner just yet as he knows his level is still good enough to beat most of the tour and will look to prove that once again over the next few weeks heading into the clay court season.
A big test awaits in the second round for Sinner in the form of Denis Shapovalov who he has struggled against in the past. It was at the US Open where Shapovalov took a set off the world number two before Sinner grinded to a four set win with the Canadian beating the Italian at Grand Slam level prior to that meeting in New York. If that doesn’t give Shapovalov enough confidence then wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tomas Martin Etcheverry would have been the boost he desperately needs heading into this clash. A big game and a confident mentality, Shapovalov will have nothing to lose in this match which could work in the Canadian’s favour as that is when he plays his best tennis.
Sinner will aim to serve aggressively while trying to rush the Shapovalov backhand. Meanwhile, Shapovalov will take the ball early as he looks to finish points off at the net. This will be an entertaining clash with Shapovalov once again looking to cause the Italian some problems. However, Sinner should have enough consistent quality to problem solve his way to victory.
Prediction: Sinner in three sets.
Coco Gauff [4] v Alexandra Eala [31] H2H & Match FundamentalsCoco Gauff [4] v Alexandra Eala [31] H2H: Gauff leads 1-0 Indian Wells 2026 Indian Wells, USAHard (O) Prize Money: $61,865Fourth on Stadium One (Not before 01:00 GMT) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
Coco Gauff may just be hitting form at the right time. The American had a good run to the semi-finals in Dubai and showed signs of her serving gaining more consistency while being aggressive in the crucial moments. The American will be hoping this form continues as this will be an important US swing for her with a Roland Garros title defence fast approaching. The question is can Gauff maintain this form given her track record of being a streaky yet inconsistent player when the pressure Is on her shoulders?
That will be put to the test against one of the brightest talents in the game in the form of Alexandra Eala. Since having her breakthrough at last year’s Miami Open, Eala has continued to produce impressive tennis and climb up the rankings. A huge following behind her, Eala is gaining attention and is showing no signs of buckling under pressure when it matters most. Now, Eala will be targeting revenge from her Dubai hammering from Gauff as she looks for another deep run at a WTA 1000 event to continue her surge.
Gauff will use the forehand to pin Eala behind the baseline as she will look to be aggressive on return. Meanwhile, Eala will use the backhand to find angles on the court and accelerate the tempo of the rallies. This will be a more competitive match than Dubai, but Gauff should have enough defensive variety to pass an awkward test and reach the last 16 in California.
Prediction: Gauff in three sets.
Ben Shelton [8] v Learner Tien [25] H2H & Match FundamentalsBen Shelton [8] v Learner Tien [25] H2H: Tien leads 1-0 Indian Wells 2026 Indian Wells, USAHard (O) Prize Money: $61,865Second on Stadium One (Not before 20:00 GMT) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It’s been another solid start to the season for Ben Shelton who backed up his Australian Open quarter-final with the Dallas title in a tough final against Taylor Fritz. However, the American was clearly struggling with some form of illness in his opener against Reilly Opelka in what was a bizarre performance. The eighth seed will be hoping he can conjure up some energy as he would love nothing more than to produce a deep run at Indian Wells in order to continue his recent momentum.
Shelton will need all of the energy he can find as he takes on the proactive and aggressive game of Learner Tien. The American rising star is continue his surge up the rankings and is refusing to settle for his current progress. A quarter-final spot at this year’s Australian Open suggests the sky is the limit for what he can achieve as his mix of attacking quality and defensive resilience is a tough game to beat. Now, Tien will aim to score another massive win and target some Californian success at Indian Wells.
Shelton will look to be aggressive on serve, using the forehand to dictate the tempo of the rallies. Meanwhile Tien will look to use the backhand return to push Shelton behind the baseline and create some space on the court to hit winners into. This will be a good match and with Shelton not being at 100%, Tien will start this match as slight favourite to progress to the fourth round.
Prediction: Tien in three sets.
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