Alexander Bublik vs Yosuke Watanuki Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Indian Wells

Prediction published on 05/03/2025, 03:38  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 05/03/2025 at 03:52 in ATP Indian Wells Predictions

Alexander Bublik's fourth straight appearance at the BNP Paribas Open will see him meet qualifier Yosuke Watanuki in the first round. The winner will face Tomas Machac next. Below is our prediction for this match.

Bublik is having a disappointing season. An 11-time tour finalist, the Kazakh has managed two wins in nine outings. He is currently on a three-match losing run.

This uninspiring run has seen the former world number 17 drop out of the ATP’s top 80. Bublik, 85th in the live ranking, will seek inspiration from his previous Indian Wells appearances.

In his three appearances here, he has only once been eliminated in the first round.

Watanuki will look to advantage of Bublik’s woes and win his first tour main draw match of the season. The Japanese number 10 has reached the main draw at tour level for the first time this season.

He was in superb form in the qualifying rounds and won both his fixtures without losing a set. To advance to this round, the 26-year-old defeated Rudy Quan by the loss of five games.

In the first round, he made light work of Mattia Bellucci, a player ranked almost 300 places above him in the ATP, winning 6-1, 6-2. Watanuki, who has now leapt 54 places to 295th in the live ranking, has six wins in 10 matches.