ATP Indian Wells Round-Up Day Three | Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton advance comfortably as Musetti crashes out

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev progressed safely into the third round at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells on a busy day of second-round action in Indian Wells, while Ben Shelton survived a tense all-American duel.

The world No. 2 Sinner produced one of the most dominant displays of the session, defeating Dalibor Svrcina in straight sets. Zverev also recovered from a slow start to overcome Matteo Berrettini, while Shelton battled past big-serving Reilly Opelka in a three-set contest.

The day’s action combined routine victories with a handful of dramatic matches across the draw. Musetti’s early exit to Marton Fucsovics marked one of the main surprises, while Denis Shapovalov edged a lengthy decider against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Several American players remained in contention as the tournament moves deeper into the second round, with Sinner and Shelton among the notable names advancing toward potentially challenging third-round matchups.

Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance to move into the third round with a straightforward victory over Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina. The Italian seized control almost immediately, breaking serve in the fourth game before accelerating through the opening set. Sinner won five consecutive games to secure the set 6-1 in just 26 minutes, conceding only four points on serve during that stretch.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Sinner continued to dictate from the baseline, using his depth and pace to keep Svrcina on the defensive. Two additional breaks pushed the score to 4-0, extending the Italian’s run to nine consecutive games. Although Svrcina eventually halted the momentum with a hold of serve, Sinner maintained control and closed the match comfortably in one hour and five minutes.

Statistically, the world No. 2 dominated across all departments. Sinner won more than 75 percent of points behind his serve and finished the match with 25 winners compared to just eight from Svrcina. His aggressive returning also proved decisive, converting five breaks and limiting the Czech to very few opportunities to build pressure. With the win, Sinner moves into the third round where he will face American Tommy Paul.

Ben Shelton prevailed in a demanding all-American encounter against Reilly Opelka, recovering from a set down to secure a three-set victory. The opening set followed the expected pattern between two big servers, with few chances on return. Opelka held firm behind his serve and eventually edged the set in a tie-break, putting Shelton under early pressure.

The second set proved equally tight, with Shelton narrowly avoiding defeat in the tie-break. Trailing 3-4 with Opelka still holding two serves, Shelton produced a timely response, winning four consecutive points and claiming two mini-breaks to close the breaker 7-4. That shift in momentum proved decisive as the match moved into the final set.

Shelton took control in the decider, using his athleticism and improved returning to finally generate opportunities on Opelka’s serve. The American secured the crucial break and protected his own service games to seal the victory. The result sends Shelton into the third round, where he will meet fellow American Learner Tien in what promises to be another intriguing matchup.

Alexander Zverev recovered from a slow start to defeat Matteo Berrettini in three sets and advance in Indian Wells. Berrettini began strongly, applying pressure with his serve and forehand to claim the opening set 6-3. The Italian’s aggressive approach forced Zverev onto the defensive during the early stages of the match.

However, Zverev gradually settled into the contest. The German began extending rallies and targeting Berrettini’s backhand with greater consistency. A key break in the second set allowed Zverev to level the match at one set apiece, shifting the momentum in his favour.

The deciding set remained closely contested, with both players holding serve through the early games. Zverev eventually found the decisive breakthrough late in the set, capitalising on a brief dip from Berrettini to secure the crucial break. He then served out the match to complete the comeback victory and move into the next round.

Marton Fucsovics produced one of the day’s main surprises by eliminating fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets. Musetti, playing his first tournament since suffering an injury during the Australian Open quarter-finals, initially stayed competitive in the opening set. Both players exchanged holds before the Hungarian struck late to secure the decisive break.

After claiming the first set 7-5, Fucsovics took full control of the match. The Hungarian dominated the second set with aggressive returning and consistent baseline play, quickly building a double-break lead. Musetti struggled to regain rhythm, particularly on his second serve, allowing Fucsovics to extend the lead to 5-0.

Although the Italian avoided the bagel with a late hold, Fucsovics comfortably closed out the set 6-1. The victory sends the Hungarian through to the next round and removes one of the higher seeds from the draw.

Denis Shapovalov secured one of the most competitive wins of the session, edging Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a deciding tie-break after nearly two hours and 41 minutes of play. The Canadian started strongly, breaking late in the opening set to claim it 6-3 after a tight beginning.

Etcheverry responded in the second set by capitalising on a drop in Shapovalov’s first-serve effectiveness. The Argentine broke twice to surge ahead 4-0 and eventually level the match with a convincing 6-2 set. With momentum shifting, the contest moved into a tense decider.

The final set featured several long rallies and multiple break opportunities for both players, yet neither managed to convert. The match ultimately came down to a dramatic tie-break, where mini-break exchanges defined the outcome. Shapovalov edged ahead with five mini-breaks compared to Etcheverry’s four to close out the victory.

Tommy Paul delivered one of the most efficient performances of the day, dispatching Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in straight sets to move into the third round. The American took immediate control of the match, breaking twice early in the opening set to surge into a 4-0 lead. Bergs struggled to establish rhythm on serve as Paul dictated play from the baseline and wrapped up the first set 6-1 with minimal resistance.

The second set followed a similar pattern. Paul maintained consistent pressure on return and continued to win the majority of extended rallies. The Belgian attempted to stay aggressive, but Paul’s court coverage and counterpunching forced a steady stream of errors. Two additional breaks of serve allowed the American to extend his advantage before closing the match comfortably.

Paul’s serving performance proved particularly decisive. He won 77 percent of points behind his first serve and an impressive 76 percent on his second serve, while also saving all three break points he faced. The American broke Bergs five times overall, underlining his dominance throughout the contest. With the victory, Paul advances to the third round where he will face world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in one of the most anticipated matchups of the next stage.