Sunday at Indian Wells saw the upper half of the men’s draw completing their third round matches. Stefano’s Tsitsipas had today’s performance by sending Matteo Berrettini in straight sets to maintain its excellent form since Dubai.
Daniil Medvedev is the highest ranked player in the upper half, and he had only 30 minutes on the track and moved through when Alex Michelsen retired due to illness.
There were also winnings for Rune and Paul, but Musetti and Tiefoe were the two most profiled losers. The latter falls to the Japanese qualifier Watanuki.
Tallon Griekspoor also backed up his victory over Sascha Zverev by removing Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets. I thought Perricard would win the one usually, there is at least one large server that does well in Indian wells but the Dutch turned out to be too solid.
Day five 2025 GDP Paribas Open Round with 32 Results
| Winner | Loser | Results line |
|---|---|---|
| Tallon Griekspoor | Giovanni Mpeshi Pericard | 7-6 (3) 6-3 |
| Yosuke Watanuki (Q) | Frances tiafoe (16) | 6-4 7-6 (16) |
| Holger Rune (12) | Ugo Humbert (18) | 5-7 6-4 7-5 |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) | Matteo Berrettini (28) | 6-3 6-3 |
| Marcos Giron | Alexei Popyrin (26) | 5-7 6-3 6-3 |
| Arthur Son (20) | Lorenzo Museti (15) | 3-6 7-6 (4) 6-3 |
| Tommy Paul (10) | Cameron Norrie | 6-3 7-5 |
| Daniil Medvedev (5) | Alex Michelsen (31) | 2-0 Ret |
Tsitsipas maintains form
Stefano’s Tsitsipas continued his latest star driving and facilitated Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday to expand his victory streak to seven matches.
The eighth seed, which also defeated the Italian in Dubai last week, now leads their H2H 5-1 and clearly enjoys the matchup.
Tsitsipas won 92% of its first serving points (22/24) and controlled the rally with a mixture of spins and variation on the slow Indian wells.
You would think that conditions would fit his game, but statistically, Indian Wells is the Greek worst Masters 1000 when it comes to % of the matches won (just a lone quarter final), but with his new black rack (Babolat), he strikes the backhand more freely and has gained his confidence.
A draw has also opened to him, so a good driving here means that top 5 is in sight, which is a big turn given that he lost from the top 10 last year.
I have to focus on my serve, that is the priority. I think about how to hold a servant, how I will press the opponent. There is an extra bonus in keeping easier, you have more time to focus on the return. Tstisipas on its tactics
Watanuki tops tiafoe
The Japanese qualifier Yosuke Watanuki produced high quality shooting on the way to upsetting 16th seed Frances Tiefoe 6-4, 7-6 (6).
Watnuki landed 47 winners, including 16 ESS, to condemn TIAFOE to 5-5 for the season so far. Interestingly, Tiefoe’s former coach, Wayne Ferreira, works with whom he had his best results, now with the Japanese talent and leads him to five wins in Indian Wells, including an upset about Alexander Bublik.
After Back-to-back top 20 victories, Watanuki is now facing Tallon Griekspoor for a place in the quarter finals.
I’m speechless. I can’t find my words but I’m so happy to be here. I was injured last year, so I’m happy to just stay on court. The most [important] Things about me, sometimes I’m a little nervous, sometimes I feel down with the mentality. We tried to find out that part. I try to enjoy more, even when I miss. A winner is much better, but also the miss I like. It was the beauty here for me today. Watanuki on his win.
Other matches of notes
Holger Rune secured a dirty 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory over 18th seeds Ugo Humbert to record one of his better winnings in recent times.
Arthur Fils also produced an impressive comeback against Lorenzo Musetti and fought against a match point of 5-6 in the second set to win 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3. This was his first Masters 1000 victory over a top 20 player.
Daniil Medvedev advanced to the fourth round after Alex Michels was forced to retire just 10 minutes into his match due to illness. He will meet next 10th seed Tommy Paul, who defeated in 2021 Master Cameron Norrie 6-3, 7-5 to claim his 50th ATP Masters 1000 victory.
Day 5 highlights
Indian Wells 2025 Day 6 Round of 32 matches
- Matteo Arnaldi vs Brandon Nakashima (32)
- Karen Khachanov (22) vs Ben Shelton (11)
- Jack Draper (13) Vs Jenson Brooksby (PR)
- Alejandro Tabilo (30) VS Taylor Fritz (3)
- BOTIC van de Zandschulp (ll) vs francisco cerundolo (25)
- Hubert Hurgacz (21) vs Alex de Minaur (9)
- Grigor Dimitrov (14) Vs Gael Monfils
- Denis Shapovalov (27) vs Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Can Tsitsipas continue its form in the latter rounds here?
