It’s time for the seeds to join the party at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open. Dubai champion Stefanos Tsitsipas will try to keep the momentum going against Thiago Seyboth Wild, while Alexander Zverev takes on a frequent giant-killer in Tallon Griekspoor. Who do you think will come out on top? As always we have predictions for every day 3 match at ATP/WTA Indian Wells.

ATP Indian Wells Day 3 Predictions

Alex Michelsen vs Colton Smith

Head-to-head: First meeting

Colton Smith is a real threat and after picking up his first ATP Challenger Tour title in Cleveland about a month ago, the American has produced a brilliant run in his ATP Tour debut. With a J.J. Wolf-ish aggressive style of play, the University of Arizona standout can be extremely difficult to stop once he gets going. Now it’s a question of how many tools Alex Michelsen has to keep him honest. Perhaps enough, but only just. You never know when the underdog’s run loses its supply of gas too.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3

Roman Safiullin vs Lorenzo Musetti

Head-to-head: Safiullin 2-1

Roman Safiullin posted a pretty strong win over Reilly Opelka in the opening round, especially considering the Russian didn’t seem to be trending in the right direction this year. He also drew one of the most volatile hard court seeds in Lorenzo Musetti. But maybe it’s not quite this easy. We know the Italian is back healthy after he competed in the Tie Break Tens exhibition and while marginally faster than last year, the new conditions in Indian Wells are still far from the quickest on tour. Musetti might have enough time to outmaneuver Safiullin.
Prediction: Musetti in 3

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Thiago Seyboth Wild

Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 1-0

Thiago Seyboth Wild can be a danger to any top seed in any draw if he performs to his best standard on the day. It doesn’t happen often recently, but it’s certainly a possibility. Nonetheless, it would be such a bummer for Stefanos Tsitsipas if he was to go out on the first hurdle here. For the first time in ages, there’s something to be excited about regarding the Greek after he claimed the Dubai title. Conditions in Indian Wells should be pretty okay for him and if he faces adversity, the confidence gained in the Middle East might push him through.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2

Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor

Head-to-head: Zverev 6-1

These two have played a lot of close matches, including two deciding set tie-breaks last year (at the French Open, Tallon Griekspoor even led 4-1 with two breaks in the deciding set). The Dutchman has defeated Matteo Berrettini, Ugo Humbert, and Daniil Medvedev in February alone. Who’s to say he can’t produce another upset? Still, plenty will depend on Alexander Zverev. Last month he was completely off his game in South America and then Acapulco, even lacking motivation at times. He needs to find it quickly as Griekspoor is a deadly opponent.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3

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