First round matches continue on Day 2 of the BNP Paribas Open, with former semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov in action against Terence Atmane, who beat the Bulgarian in Acapulco last week. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but who will advance to the next round?

ATP Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Benjamin Bonzi vs Valentin Royer

Head-to-Head: Bonzi 1-0 Royer

Benjamin Bonzi needed some momentum in his tennis, and he got that with two important wins in the qualifiers against stern opponents. He is an experienced player with an aggressive baseline game and a good serve. Valentin Royer is ranked much higher, but has won just 1 out of 8 tour-level matches this season. Both players need this win badly, but I will go with Bonzi’s experience and pedigree on this surface.

Prediction: Bonzi in 3

Botic van de Zandschulp vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo

Head-to-Head: Zandschulp 0-1 Cerundolo

Juan Manuel Cerundolo is now ranked 70, a career high, but he performs best on clay courts. Even though the courts are not fast here in Indian Wells, he doesn’t have the experience on this surface to take on a veteran like Botic van de Zandschulp, who defeated Novak Djokovic here in 2025. The Dutch player has the clear advantage in this one if he plays close to his best.

Prediction: Zandschulp in 2

Alejandro Tabilo vs Rafael Jodar

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Alejandro Tabilo had a disappointing 2025 season, but it seems to be a thing of the past as he is playing much better tennis so far this year and will look to translate his solid clay results to hard courts. He is more than capable of playing on this surface and has never lost in the first round here. Rafael Jodar has shown promise but is still adjusting to the ATP Tour. The Spaniard dealt with Cameron Norrie’s lefty serve brilliantly in Acapulco, and if he can do that here, he will have a chance to win this.

Prediction: Jodar in 3

Grigor Dimitrov vs Terence Atmane

Head-to-Head: Dimitrov 1-1 Atmane

Former World No.3 Grigor Dimitrov has been handed the opportunity to take immediate revenge on Terence Atmane for the loss in Acapulco last week. The Bulgarian has been consistent over the past five years at this tournament, but he is still finding his best form after returning from injury. I expect him to find his stride sooner rather than later, but Atmane is in form and matches up well with the one-hander of Dimitrov. I will go with the Frenchman.

Prediction: Atmane in 3

Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports