Jiri Lehecka vs Arthur Rinderknech Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Indian Wells

Prediction published on 07/03/2023, 06:49  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 07/03/2023 at 08:39 in Tennis Predictions

The first round of the 2023 Indian Wells tournament sees Jiri Lehecka take on Arthur Rinderknech. The winner of this match faces the sixth seed Andrey Rublev in round two. Lehecka began this week ranked 47th in the world but began the year in 81st place. He's up to 43rd in the live rankings and it isn't going to be too long before he gets into the top 32. He's had a good year so far with an impressive run to the quarter finals of the Australian Open. That saw him get wins over Borna Coric, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Cameron Norrie before being beaten by eventual runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas. Since then, he's reached the last four in Doha and so nearly beat Andy Murray to reach the final. He had a win over Andrey Rublev in that tournament so won't be too worried about having to face him again if winning this match.

Arthur Rinderknech is ranked 72nd in the world and up three places in the live rankings. The Frenchman has slipped down the list after beginning this year in 44th place. The fall has been because of the strong start made last year when getting to the final in Adelaide and the last four in Doha. This year hasn't seen him make such a good start with only one win in his first four tournaments. The Australian Open saw him lose in the first round to Yosuke Watanuki who was ranked 138th at the time. Six of his eight matches on the ATP Tour have been lost this year. He did do well in his last event though, getting to the last four of the Challenger Tour event held in Pau. He didn't beat anyone ranked higher than 136th and was beaten by then world number 149 Luca Van Assche. Go for Lehecka to win this in straight sets.