A couple of blockbuster matchups are on the schedule as Indian Wells second-round action gets underway on Friday. Felix Auger-Aliassime faces Gael Monfils and Alexander Zverev battles Matteo Berrettini.
(WC) Gael Monfils vs. (9) Felix Auger-Aliassime
Auger-Aliassime and Monfils will be squaring off for the third time in their careers when they clash in round two of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday. They have split their two previous encounters; Monfils cruised 6-2, 6-4 in the 2020 Rotterdam final before Auger-Aliassime got the job done 6-4, 6-3 at the 2023 Laver Cup.
This should be routine in Auger-Aliassime’s favor. The world No. 9 has been in fine form this season, with a 12-4 record that includes a title in Montpellier and a runner-up performance in Rotterdam. At 39 years old, Monfils is embarking on his final season. The 148th-ranked Frenchman is slumping toward 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 tougher Canadian will almost certainly mark the end of the line for Monfils in Indian Wells.
Pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Matteo Berrettini vs. (4) Alexander Zverev
Injuries have prevented Berrettini from doing much of anything over the past few seasons and they have him down at 66th in the rankings. As such, the Italian could really use a deep run as he tries to get back in a position that will garner him seeded status at Grand Slams. Berrettini is a decent but unspectacular 4-3 this year after surviving a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 thriller against Adrian Mannarino on Wednesday.
Up next for the former Wimbledon finalist is an eighth showdown against Zverev, who leads the head-to-head series 4-3. They faced each other once in 2025, when Berrettini pulled off a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 upset at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Zverev should be able to turn the tide back in his favor. He is well rested, conditions in the desert are perfect for his game, and Berrettini is coming off a massive effort against Mannarino that left him sprawled on the ground in cramps immediately following match point.
Pick: Zverev in 2
WWW?
Zverev and FAA in two.
Neither has a great record here, but conditions should suit Zverev , FAA not so much but in great form
This interesting part of the draw with FAA,who could play the winner of Musetti/Fils , I would pick either of them over Felix .
Other tough part of the draw,to predict, Bublik/Darderi, winner has to play Demon , who has a tough one against Korda, again conditions wont suit the flat hitting Demon as much
Korda might lose to Comesana. But he has a great chance against Demon if he gets there.
If it’s medium fast like I just read, that makes it more Dubai like, Felix/FAA will prefer
AA in 2; Zv in 2