Top-seeded players on the men\u2019s tour will kick off their 2026 BNP Paribas Open campaigns on Friday. Ahead of over a dozen weekend second-round matches, LWOT previews the California encounters on court. This set of predictions features a blockbuster matchup between Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini \u2014 one current and one former Top 10 player. But who will advance?<\/p>\n
ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions
\nTommy Paul vs Zizou Bergs<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: First meeting<\/p>\n
After an encouraging start to 2026 at the United Cup, Bergs\u2019 season hasn\u2019t gone entirely to plan. He\u2019s 5-5 overall on the year, and faces an in-form Paul. The American played well in a run to the Delray Beach Open finals<\/a>\u00a0and reached the semifinals of this Masters 1000 event in 2024. Look for Paul to reach the third round comfortably; he\u2019ll have to neutralize Bergs\u2019 powerful groundstrokes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prediction: Paul in 2<\/p>\n Learner Tien vs Adam Walton<\/p>\n Head-to-head: Tien 1-0<\/p>\n Similar to Paul, compatriot Tien has also had a steady start to 2026. Tien is from Southern California and cruised past his opponent, Walton, during their only meeting in 2025. Since climbing towards the top of the rankings, the American rarely loses to players positioned outside the Top 50. I think the crowd support will push Tien over the line if he isn\u2019t at his best.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prediction: Tien in 2<\/p>\n Alexander Zverev vs Matteo Berrettini<\/p>\n Head-to-head: Zverev 4-3<\/p>\n Ahead of this popcorn matchup, Berrettini won in a thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 first-rounder over the unpredictable and gritty Adrian Mannarino, battling cramps<\/a>. Now, Berrettini will look to claim his third consecutive win over the No. 4 seed Zverev. Neither player will likely give an inch with their reliable serves, but Zverev\u2019s backhand will probably be the biggest weapon in this matchup.<\/p>\n