The ATP’s Indian Wells tournament now flows into the third round and so do our tennis picks. Several matches will draw various levels of interest, but none will be more keenly anticipated than the one involving Rafael Nadal, a player trying to make his way back to the top. He’s had an up-and-down season to say the least as many people are questioning whether his career is over. We’ll find out more at Indian Wells but he should be strong enough – both physically and mentally – to cash for our tennis picks on Tuesday.
Fernando Verdasco vs. Rafael Nadal
Betting Odds: Nadal -333
There is something about this rivalry which – even though it compares two very different players – is very compelling. Nadal and Verdasco have waged significant battles, and very emotional ones. These are countrymen who respect each other, but Verdasco – despite living in Nadal’s shadow – always gives it his best effort. He might not always have his best performance ready to offer, but he always tries hard against his celebrated Spanish compadre. Verdasco has been able to win some memorable victories over Nadal, in Madrid and last January at the Australian Open. That win in Melbourne lent further evidence to the idea that Nadal is in a state of permanent regression, that he won’t ever become the player he used to be. Nadal showed briefly last fall that he could still play with the big boys at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. He beat Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray to advance to the semifinals before losing to Novak Djokovic. That raised hopes Nadal could make the full comeback.
When he lost to Verdasco, that idea took a huge hit. Now, Nadal tries to work his way back into form after going 0 for 2 in clay tournaments in February. He wants this match badly, and even though Verdasco knows how to play and beat him, there’s a feeling Nadal will rise up.
Nadal might still have a moment here and there, just not against Djokovic or Roger Federer. Verdasco is a player he can – and will – beat in Indian Wells. Take Nadal with your tennis picks in this spot as he should be able to advance.
Pick: Nadal in three sets
Novak Djokovic vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber
Betting Odds: Djokovic -909
This should be straightforward for Djokovic. He has moved through the first rounds of the tournament without too much incident, and Kohlschreiber, while undeniably talented and experienced, is also the kind of player who is rarely able to beat the elite players. He shows glimpses of his potential, but putting together two complete sets is something which has remained elusive for him. He can hit every shot in the book, but not often enough to win. Djokovic also hits every shot in the book, but he regularly raises his game, so much so that it’s just about impossible to see Kohlschreiber winning here. Go with Djokovic with your tennis picks in this spot even though there is plenty of juice.
Pick: Djokovic in straight sets
Dominic Thiem vs. Jack Sock
Betting Odds: Thiem -156
This is a matchup in which the new generation of men’s tennis will be very much on display. Thiem is on a roll this year. He has already notched 20 match wins and is going to raise that total to over 50, maybe 60 wins, if he keeps up his scorching pace. The advantage for Thiem here is that he has a better forehand than Sock, and Sock is a player with a very strong forehand. The disadvantage for Thiem is that he did much of his damage this season on clay. The Austrian is comfortable on that surface while Sock is better on hardcourts. That last fact probably pushes this match in Sock’s favor, though no one should be surprised at a Thiem win. Take Sock with your tennis picks in this spot. We like him more and we’re getting him as the underdog.
Pick: Sock in three sets
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