Indian Wells R2 previews and predictions: Draper vs. Fonseca, Djokovic vs. Van de Zandschulp

The rest of the seeded players will get their Indian Wells campaigns started on Saturday, which is highlighted by a showdown between Jack Draper and Joao Fonseca. Novak Djokovic meets Botic van de Zandschulp.

(13) Jack Draper vs. (WC) Joao Fonseca

Despite a five-year difference in age, both Draper and Fonseca are among the tour’s rising stars and figure to wage a rivalry for a decade or perhaps even longer. At 23 years old, Draper has climbed to No. 14 in the world. The British lefty reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and is coming off a runner-up effort in Doha. At just 18, Fonseca is well inside the top 100 (80th). He won the 2024 NextGen ATP Finals and it has been full steam ahead for him in 2025, with a title at the Canberra Challenger, his first one on the ATP Tour in Buenos Aires, and an Aussie Open upset of Andrey Rublev.

Fonseca has somewhat of an advantage in having already played a match in tricky BNP Paribas Open conditions, but it was an up-and-down performance in a three-set win over Jake Fearnley. Draper has played the Indian Wells Masters just twice and advanced to the fourth round in 2023, when he knocked off compatriot Andy Murray before exiting via retirement against Carlos Alcaraz. This could be the most entertaining match of the entire second round, with a slight edge going to the more experienced Draper.

Pick: Draper in 3

(6) Novak Djokovic vs. (LL) Botic van de Zandschulp

Djokovic vs. Nick Kyrgios was a potential second-round matchup in the desert, but to the surprise of no one the injury-plagued Australian retired from his opener against Van de Zandschulp on Thursday night. As a result, it will be Djokovic vs. Van de Zandschulp for the second time in their careers on Saturday. Their only previous encounter came at the 2022 Astana tournament, where the 24-time major winner cruised 6-3, 6-1.

Van de Zandschulp won’t be taken lightly by Djokovic or by anyone else, as he was a giant killer last year. The 85th-ranked Dutchman upset Alcaraz at the U.S. Open and ended Rafael Nadal’s career at the Davis Cup Finals. Nonetheless, it’s hard to see another lightning strike. Van de Zandschulp has not been playing well so far this year and he needed a lucky-loser spot in the main draw. Even if Djokovic is not as his best right, this should be a comfortable opening match for him.

Pick: Djokovic in 2