The second day of the first Masters 1000 event on the ATP Tour rolls on, with an exciting slate of first-round matches set to be played. The slower, heavier conditions at the Indian Wells Masters always make it a unique watch, and as always, we will be predicting every match for you. But who do you think will reach the second round in the Californian desert?

ATP Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Arthur Cazaux vs Michael Zheng

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Michael Zheng will look to claim his first ATP Tour main-draw win on home soil when he steps out at Indian Wells. The 22-year-old American earned his maiden Tour-level victory at the Australian Open after battling through qualifying, and this will be only the fifth top-tier match of his young career. Yet Zheng arrives with momentum, having surged from just outside the Top 300 in September to No. 145 thanks to a pair of Challenger titles.

Across the net stands Arthur Cazaux, short on match sharpness, having played just two matches this year, retiring in the latter and leaving questions about his rhythm heading into the desert.

If Zheng brings the confidence that fueled his recent rise, the home hopeful has a real chance to snatch a set — and perhaps even upset the Frenchman.
Prediction: Zheng in 2

Damir Dzumhur vs Jacob Fearnley

Head–to–Head:  Dzumhur 1 – 0 Fearnley

Jacob Fearnley arrives at the Indian Wells Masters still searching for traction in 2026. The Brit has managed just one Tour-level victory all season and is edging dangerously close to slipping outside the Top 100 if results don’t turn quickly.

His opening opponent, Damir Dzumhur, hasn’t exactly been piling up main-draw wins either, but the Bosnian has at least maintained a steady presence and holds edges in their head-to-head after a comfortable 6–4 6–2 win in Athens late last year. And while Indian Wells offers slower conditions, that may actually suit the Bosnian’s grinding style.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 3

Kamil Majchrzak vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard arrives in Indian Wells with momentum after finally snapping a five-match skid during a confidence-boosting run through qualifying and into the Round of 16 in Dubai. The big-serving Frenchman rediscovered his rhythm and will be eager to carry that surge into his first meeting with Kamil Majchrzak, where his raw firepower could prove decisive on the desert courts.

Majchrzak, currently hovering just below his career-high ranking of #57, has struggled to build on a promising quarterfinal run in Brisbane and enters this clash on a three-match losing streak.

Both players have the kind of games that can suddenly click after a slump, so a tight battle is in the cards, with the more reliable Pole edging it.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 3

Hubert Hurkacz vs Aleksandar Kovacevic

Head–to–Head: First Meeting

Hubert Hurkacz impressed in his return from injury at the United Cup following a six-month layoff, but momentum has stalled since then. Hurkacz has dropped four straight matches after his opening-round win at the Australian Open, leaving the Pole short on confidence and in urgent need of a reset.

That task won’t be simple against Aleksandar Kovacevic, who arrives with steady results and the boost of playing on home soil, while the court conditions could blunt Hurkacz’s biggest weapon—his serve.

With just one ranking spot separating them, this first meeting looks far tighter than the names might suggest, and Kovacevic could find more chances on return than most opponents get against the big-serving Pole.
Prediction: Kovacevic in 3

Main Photo Credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports