ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions Including Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Arnaldi

Frances Tiafoe vs Dusan Lajovic

Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 4-1 Lajovic

Frances Tiafoe has not had the best start to the 2024 season. He is just 6-6 on the season and has won back-to-back matches once. That said, he tends to play his best tennis on the biggest stages and will be looking to put on a show for the Indian Wells crowd. Dusan Lajovic reached two quarterfinals in the Golden Triangle swing and should be helped by the slow deserts courts, but I do not believe he has the firepower to match the American. If Tiafoe drops this match, it will be completely on his racquet.

Prediction: Tiafoe in 2

Alex de Minaur vs Taro Daniel

Head-to-Head: de Minaur 3-0 Daniel

Alex de Minaur has been the hottest player on the ATP Tour this season outside of Jannik Sinner. He is 15-5 this season, with a runner-up finish in Rotterdam and a title in Acapulco. Taro Daniel is 2-6 in his last eight matches. De Minaur has dropped no more than two games in all seven sets he has played against Daniel. I expect another domination from the Aussie.

Prediction: de Minaur in 2

Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Arnaldi

Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 1-0 Arnaldi

Carlos Alcaraz opens his ATP Indian Wells campaign coming off back-to-back losses, though, the latter was a retirement in Rio. He is the reigning champ in the desert and will be looking for a strong showing to kick his 2024 season into gear. 23-year-old Italian Matteo Arnaldi has risen inside the world’s top 40 and finally seems to be putting together a complete game. Arnaldi will battle from the baseline, and the slow desert courts should create some terrific rallies between these two. In the end, Alcaraz’s power and ability to finish points will be the difference.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 2