Tennis is back in the desert for the first ATP Masters 1000 of the season in Indian Wells. The BNP Paribas Open, consistently ranked among the best tournaments on the schedule, always features a draw of the world’s best players.

On Day 1, former US Open champion Marin Cilic gets his campaign underway against American wildcard Zachary Svajda. As always, we at LWOT have previews and predictions for every match on the ATP Indian Wells slate. But who will advance?

ATP Indian Wells Day 1 Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Mariano Navone

Head-to-Head: Giron 1-1 Navone

All Marcos Giron does is take care of business in a silent but deadly way. The 32-year-old American has been ranked inside the Top 100 for nearly six years, with an all-time high of World No. 37. That’s because he wins matches he is supposed to win. Against No. 79 Mariano Navone on a hard court, I would be surprised to see Giron go down in his home state.

Prediction: Giron in 2

Jenson Brooksby vs Alexei Popyrin

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Injury? Suspension? Nothing seems to be able to derail Jenson Brooksby’s path to the Top 20. The current World No. 41 was ranked No. 937 ahead of this tournament last year. His unorthodox style gives opposing players fits, and I would not be surprised to see another second-week run from the 25-year-old. He will block enough of Alexei Popyrin’s serves into play to win a tight two-setter.

Prediction: Brooksby in 2

Daniel Altmaier vs Miomir Kecmanovic

Head-to-Head: Altmaier 1-2 Kecmanovic

No. 55 Miomir Kecmanovic should be ecstatic about his opening round draw against Daniel Altmaier. The German is hunting for his first win of the season, having dropped six straight to begin 2026. He has won just one set this year. Kecmanovic should cruise.

Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2

Marin Cilic vs Zachary Svajda

Head-to-Head: Cilic 1-0 Svajda

37-year-old Marin Cilic is competing for the 14th time at Indian Wells and should feel as if he can win a few matches in the desert. Cilic is 6-4 this year with wins over three players in the Top 50. His level is still high, making him a tough hardcourt out for anyone. 23-year-old Zachary Svajda broke into the Top 100 last month but lacks the tools to match the motivated former Grand Slam champ.

Prediction: Cilic in 3

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images