There are a number of blockbuster matchups on the cards as the second round of Indian Wells kicks off on Friday. Felix Auger-Aliassime takes on Gael Monfils and Alexander Zverev takes on Matteo Berrettini.
(WC) Gael Monfils vs. (9) Felix Auger-Aliassime
Auger-Aliassime and Monfils will face each other for the third time in their careers when they compete in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday. They split their two previous encounters; Monfils scored 6-2, 6-4 in the 2020 Rotterdam final before Auger-Aliassime finished the job 6-4, 6-3 at the 2023 Laver Cup.
This should be routine in Auger-Aliassime’s favor. The world number 9 has been in good form this season, with a 12-4 record, including a title in Montpellier and a second-place finish in Rotterdam. At the age of 39, Monfils is starting his last season. The 148th-ranked Frenchman is slumping towards a conclusion with a 2-3 record so far in 2026, although he at least managed to beat qualifier Alexis Galarneau 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday. A much, much stronger Canadian will almost certainly mark the end of the line for Monfils in Indian Wells.
Choice: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Matteo Berrettini vs. (4) Alexander Zverev
Injuries have prevented Berrettini from doing much in recent seasons, leaving him at 66th in the rankings. As such, the Italian could really use a deep run as he tries to get back into a position that will earn him seeded status at the Grand Slams. Berrettini is a decent but unspectacular 4-3 this year, having survived a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 thriller against Adrian Mannarino on Wednesday.
Next up for the former Wimbledon finalist is an eighth clash against Zverev, who leads the head-to-head series 4-3. They faced each other once in 2025, when Berrettini scored a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 defeat at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Zverev should be able to turn the tide in his favor. He is well rested, the desert conditions are perfect for his game, and Berrettini puts in a tremendous effort against Mannarino, leaving him sprawled on the ground with cramps immediately after match point.
Choice: Zverev and 2
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