Indian Wells Monday picks, including Murray vs. Kohlschreiber and Nishikori vs. Verdasco

Monday

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. Albert Ramos-Vinolas: Djokovic has not lost prior to the semifinals in hiis last four Indian Wells appearances, a stretch that includes two titles. Ramos-Vinolas will not be a real roadblock in the Serb’s title defense. Djokovic in 2.

(18) John Isner vs. (16) Kevin Anderson: Conditions at this event are ideal for Isner, so it should not come as much of a surprise that he played his best match of the year vs. Jurgen Melzer on Saturday. Unfortunately, that’s not saying a lot. Plus the conditions are also just about perfect for Anderson. Anderson in 3.

Juan Monaco vs. (WC) Thanasi Kokkinakis: It is true that Monaco benefited from a rusty Marin Cilic in round two, but it has to be said that the Argentine turned in a flawless performance regardless of what his opponent brought to the table. This is also a slight surface advantage for a resurgent Monaco. Monaco in 3.

(4) Andy Murray vs. (26) Philipp Kohlschreiber: Kohlschreiber must do more than play great against Tim Smyczek in order to prove his game is fully back in form after a tough start to 2015. On a hard court, this should not be as competitive as Murray’s 12-10 in the fifth win over the German at the 2014 French Open. Murray in 2.

Adrian Mannarino vs. (14) Ernests Gulbis: Gulbis is finally in the win column this season (he beat Daniel Gimeno-Traver on Saturday following an 0-5 start). A tricky opponent like Mannarino who rarely beats himself, however, will test the questionable theory that Gulbis is back to his winning ways. Mannarino in 3.

(12) Feliciano Lopez vs. (20) Pablo Cuevas: Cuevas probably should have lost to Jarkko Nieminen but he benefited from an epic collapse by the Finn. This surface may not be fast enough for Lopez to be completely dominant, but he should have a considerable edge. Lopez in 3.

(28) Fernando Verdasco vs. (5) Kei Nishikori: With a match under his belt (a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ryan Harrison), Nishikori should be fully adjusted to the conditions after making a quick turnaround after Davis Cup. Look for Verdasco to struggle with his timing against an opponent who takes the ball early on a consistent basis. Nishikori in 2.

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