As the BNP Paribas Open unfolds at Indian Wells, tennis fans are treated to a host of exciting early matches, with several first-round encounters on the schedule. Among the most anticipated clashes set for Thursday are Alejandro Tabilo facing Rafael Jodar and Hubert Hurkacz taking on Aleksandar Kovacevic.
In the first match, Chilean Alejandro Tabilo will square off against Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar. This marks their inaugural matchup, and both players come in with impressive form. Tabilo, currently ranked 40th in the world, boasts an impressive tally of 16 wins this season, including a notable runner-up finish in Rio de Janeiro. His recent performances include a quarterfinal appearance in both Buenos Aires and Santiago, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level on the ATP tour.
On the other hand, Jodar has shown resilience, compiling an impressive record of 27 wins in his last 34 matches across various competitions dating back to October. This includes victories in each of his five tournaments this year, contributing to his momentum. The conditions in Indian Wells favor Tabilo’s style of play; however, the youthful Jodar is expected to cope well with the environment as well. Anticipation is high for this encounter, and it could be a closely contested battle, with a slight nod given to the more rested and on-form Jodar.
Prediction for the match: Jodar in three sets.
The second highlighted match pits Hubert Hurkacz against Aleksandar Kovacevic, again presenting a first-time meeting between the two. Hurkacz, currently ranked 71st, started the 2026 season with a bang, helping Poland secure the United Cup title with an impressive 4-1 singles record including wins over top players like Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz. However, his recent form has taken a turn for the worse, as he enters Indian Wells on a four-match losing streak.
Kovacevic, ranked 72nd, has also had a tumultuous season. Starting strong with a semifinal finish in Brisbane, he has struggled since, posting a record of just 4-8 in his last 12 matches. His experiences across different venues—from indoor hard courts in Europe to hard courts in the U.S.—have kept him on the move, but his performance at Indian Wells has not been encouraging, as he holds an 0-4 record in this tournament.
Given Hurkacz’s superior ranking and previous achievements this season, he enters this contest as the favorite. The combination of his experience and Kovacevic’s struggles in Indian Wells could tilt the match in his favor.
Prediction for the match: Hurkacz in two sets.
Fans can look forward to these exciting encounters as the BNP Paribas Open continues to showcase emerging talents and seasoned players alike in the California desert.
