2021 Indian Wells Masters Second Round – Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz on and what time does it start? Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz will take place on Saturday 9th October, 2021 – not before 19:00 (UK)
Where is Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz taking place? Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz being played on? Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz
What channel is Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz on? Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Alexei Popyrin vs Hubert Hurkacz live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
World number 12 Hubert Hurkacz has enjoyed an excellent year on tour with a career-high 11th in the ATP rankings reached back in July after he made the semi-finals at Wimbledon by way of a victory over Roger Federer. The 24-year-old looks the dark horse for the Indian Wells title here behind the top three seeds and given his first Masters title came in similar conditions at the Miami Open back in April he would be a shrewd pick indeed for the win here in California. Furthermore, three of his four ATP titles so far have come on US soil and all of them on hardcourts, with his win at the Moselle Open in France two weeks ago proof of his good form coming in too. World number 71 Alexei Popyrin won his first ATP title this season at the Singapore Open but the second half of his season has yet to live up to the first. The 22-year-old beat Miomir Kecmanovic handily in straight sets on Thursday for a good start on his second appearance here.
THE PREDICTION
There are plenty of signs pointing towards the affable Hubert Hurkacz keeping his head down here at Indian Wells on his way to a second Masters title come next Sunday. The Pole has put in some exceptional performances in 2021 and he will take some serious stopping, especially as plenty of foes continue to neglect to protect against his incredible skills at the net. Hurkacz has teamed up with Felix Auger-Aliassime once again in the Men’s Doubles, with the pair winning the Paris Masters title last year on their partnership debut, and that should help sharpen his game up here in a long campaign. Alexei Popyrin is a tough player to beat with an electrifying serve and one of the more powerful forehands on tour but his level could be higher right now. Hurkacz to win this in straight sets looks on, although an outright within an accumulator would be wisest.
