The schedules for the next few days are a pig for trying to get previews out when Indian Wells is 7 hours behind the UK. Therefore I am focusing on matches that are already decided after Monday’s matches.  All three matches previewed will be on Stadium 1’s day schedule for Wednesday.  It is also worth noting that Wawrinka and Federer are in doubles action on stadium 2 (NB 5pm local time) where they will play Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek.

1. Andy Murray v Milos Raonic

Andy Murray

Two matches into Indian Wells and it is apparent that Andy Murray is still struggling to find his best form in 2014.  On Monday, he toiled for 2 hours and 47 minutes, coming from a set and a break down to beat Jiri Vesely, 6-7(2) 6-4 6-4 in a thoroughly unenjoyable match.  This was the biggest match of 20-year-old, Vesely’s career and he did a good job in the first set to come from a double break down.  He did have major chances to close this match in the second and third set, but this will be a huge learning curve for him having never played a top ten player before in his career.  Murray was sloppy throughout and even in the decider, never looked comfortable.  Next up for the Wimbledon champion is Milos Raonic, who defeated Alejandro Falla in straight sets, 6-4 6-3.

Raonic has played very little tennis this year having been injured between the Australian Open and Indian Wells.  Raonic leads the head-to-head, beating Murray twice before including in their last match-up on hard courts in Tokyo where Raonic prevailed, 6-3 6-7 7-6.  Murray’s performance on Monday was unsettling and particularly because he really hasn’t been on top of his game since winning Wimbledon.  His match with Vesely was a real off-day and although it is a concern, I think he will sort his act out against Raonic.  In a Rafa-less quarter, there are huge opportunities for Murray to pick up ranking points and with everything so tight at the top, they are valuable right now.

Prediction: Murray d. Raonic in 2 tight sets

2. Roger Federer v Tommy Haas

Plotting player’s form can be very difficult, particularly when injuries crop up.  Tommy Haas pulled out of the Sao Paulo semi-finals with a shoulder injury 10 days ago so I felt that he wasn’t going to be at his best for Indian Wells.  However, Haas has powered through two difficult matches beating Jeremy Chardy and Kei Nishikori in straight sets.  Haas now takes on BFF, Roger Federer in the last 16.  Federer needed two tiebreaks to get past Dmitry Tursunov in the third round.  The last two times Haas and Federer have played each other, Haas has won the first set before falling to Fed in 3 sets.  Haas is playing well, but Federer will be the favourite to come through.  On a separate side note, Federer has been killing it on Twitter.  I’m still convinced that the GOAT has staff members controlling his Twitter though!

Prediction: Federer d. Haas in 3 sets

3. Stanislas Wawrinka v Kevin Anderson

Of all big names still in the draw, Stanislas Wawrinka has looked the most majestic so far  On Monday, he absolutely destroyed Andreas Seppi, 6-0 6-2 in just 49 minutes.  In his first tournament since winning the Australian Open, Stanley has really surprised me with his form after a month’s break from competitive tennis although he’s yet to really be tested by a high-calibre opponent.  In the 4th round, Wawrinka will take on the in-form, Kevin Anderson.  The South African world number 18, who reached the final of Delray Beach and Acapulco, advanced past Lleyton Hewitt in an excellent opening match.  On Monday, he lost the opening set to Evgeny Donskoy, but rebounded to win in three sets.  Wawrinka has won all three previous clashes with Anderson although the last two both went the distance.  This match will give more of an indication of what level Stan is at.  A win could set up a mouthwatering quarter-final with Federer… oh please let it happen!

Prediction: Wawrinka d. Anderson in 2 tight sets

ATP 4th Round Indian Wells Predictions

Alexandr Dolgopolov d. Fabio Fognini in 2 tight sets