ATP Indian Wells Semifinal Predictions

There are two terrific ATP Indian Wells semifinals for fans to look forward to. Carlos Alcaraz’s quest for a third consecutive title in California will continue against Jack Draper, while Daniil Medvedev is set to face Holger Rune. We at LWOT predict both matches in this article, but which players do you think will reach the final?

ATP Indian Wells Semifinal Predictions

Daniil Medvedev vs Holger Rune

Head-to-head: Medvedev 2-1 Rune

Expectations for Medvedev were lower than usual for a hardcourt Masters 1000 before the tournament, but he has found form. The 2021 US Open champion did not drop a set in his opening three matches before winning an outstanding quarterfinal against Arthur Fils on a tiebreak. Rune beat Corentin Moutet, Ugo Humbert, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tallon Griekspoor to reach the semifinal.

Medvedev beat Rune last year in Indian Wells, but the match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Rune has to find the right balance between being the aggressor without overplaying. Despite Medvedev’s infamous complaints about the pace of the Indian Wells courts, the slow conditions suit him more in this matchup. Although Rune hitting himself to victory is not impossible, Medvedev’s defense frustrating him again feels like the more likely outcome. The Dane might need to play with more variety than he usually does to beat Medvedev on a slow court.

Prediction: Medvedev in 3

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Carlos Alcaraz vs Jack Draper

Head-to-head: Alcaraz 3-1 Draper

Draper will almost certainly put up a better fight against Alcaraz than at this year’s Australian Open when he struggled physically after lengthy previous matches. The Briton will rightly take confidence from beating Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in the last two rounds. Two-time defending champion Alcaraz has yet to drop a set, although Francisco Cerundolo pushed him in the quarterfinal.

Cerundolo tried to dominate with his forehand whenever possible; Draper will try to do the same. Draper being left-handed and a better mover than Cerundolo adds a different dynamic to the match. The Briton will force Alcaraz to fight if he plays his best tennis and gets some free points on his first serve to assist him. However, it is difficult to go against Alcaraz in Indian Wells. The conditions suit him perfectly, and it feels like the Spaniard always has another gear he can go to regardless of who he faces at the tournament.

Prediction: Alcaraz in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images

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