ATP BNP Paribas Open, 18:00 – Smyczek v Kohlschreiber
Kohlschreiber leads the head to heads 1-0. That was in Indian Wells in 2011 and went to 3 sets.
The 6 month stats favour Smyczek though Kohlschreiber leads in service holds.
Smyzcek served really well in his first round win over Becker. He faced just 1 break point. Kohlschreiber has just two ATP tour wins this year, both over Mathieu.
Smyczek has a real chance today. Kohlschreiber will find his form eventually. He did beat Simon in a “dead rubber” in the recent Davis Cup tie.
Smyczek to win in 3.
WTA BNP Paribas Open, 19:30 – Hercog v Garcia
Garcia leads the head to heads 1-0. That was this season and seh won in 2 sets.
The 3 month stats are very similar. Garcia is well ahead in stats against common opponents for that time period.
Hercog has been very solid in her 3 matches this week and has served well. Garcia has been in the final of the last 2 events and lost both to Bacsinszky. That will not only leave her fatigued but losing the second final having taken the first set will be tough mentally.
I think Hercog could give her a real scare today. I certainly think Garcia will trade a fair bit higher. She starts around 1.48. Three sets look likely and I give a slight edge to Garcia.
WTA BNP Paribas Open, 21:30 – Nieminen v Cuevas
They have never played. The 6 month stats on hard courts favour Nieminen.
Nieminen has done reasonably well on hard courts this season. He reached the third round in Melbourne. He has won 7 of his last 10 on hard courts. He reached the third round in Indian Wells for last 2 seasons.
Cuevas is one of the best clay courters in the world but his record on hard courts isn’t great. He has 1 win from 3 this season on this surface. His win was over Almagro who was just back from injury. He has never been past the second round in Indian Wells.
I give a slight advantage to Nieminen. He starts around 2.14 .
