2021 Indian Wells Masters First Round – Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic on and what time does it start? Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place on Thursday 7th October, 2021 – not before 19:00 (UK)
Where is Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic taking place? Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic being played on? Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic
What channel is Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic on? Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Alexei Popyrin vs Miomir Kecmanovic live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
World number 71 Alexei Popyrin has not played since losing a five-set epic against Dan Evans in the third round of the US Open but the 22-year-old should be ready to go in Indian Wells. Popyrin won his first ATP title at the Singapore Open in a vastly encouraging first third of the season that did, understandably, tail off somewhat over the clay and grass seasons. The Aussie is most comfortable on hard courts for now and faces a player perhaps better-suited to clay in Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic, who also lost in five sets in New York last month. Kecmanovic, also 22, reached a career-high 38th in the world earlier this season after decent showings in Melbourne and Buenos Aires but he is currently at 63rd after an underwhelming summer.
THE PREDICTION
This is an intriguing match-up between Popyrin and Kecmanovic at this stage of their careers with the Aussie on the up and the Serb stuttering. Kecmanovic has won both of their previous meetings in straight-sets, in the US, on hardcourts at the 2019 Washington Open and Winston-Salem Open. However, Popyrin’s form has improved significantly this season and the younger youngster by 26 days looks the likelier winner here. Both previous meetings saw at least one tiebreak, though, and that could be a useful alternative for what looks a tricky result to call with confidence.
