ATP Indian Wells Round-Up Day Two | Sebastian Korda and Grigor Dimitrov progress as Hurkacz crashes out

Second-round spots were decided across the men’s draw at Indian Wells with several tight contests and one notable upset. Aleksandar Kovacevic eliminated Hubert Hurkacz in two tie-breaks, while Grigor Dimitrov survived a difficult three-set battle against Terence Atmane. Sebastian Korda also advanced after a dominant finish against Francisco Comesaña, and Kamil Majchrzak edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in another closely contested match.

The early rounds in Indian Wells often present opportunities for lower-ranked players to challenge seeds on the slower hard courts. Hurkacz arrived as one of the higher-ranked names in action but struggled in the decisive moments against Kovacevic, while Dimitrov continued his solid start to the season by navigating a tricky opening match. American players also featured prominently, with Korda and Mackenzie McDonald both producing strong performances on home soil.

Aleksandar Kovacevic secured one of the most notable results of the session, defeating Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-6 to reach the second round in Indian Wells. The match was defined by small margins, with both players holding serve consistently throughout. Hurkacz relied on his powerful delivery, striking 10 aces and winning 74% of points behind his first serve. However, he was unable to create sustained pressure on return.

Kovacevic remained composed throughout the contest, matching Hurkacz’s serving level while playing aggressively in the tie-breaks. In both sets the American produced the more decisive points, capitalising on a few loose errors from the Pole.

The statistics reflected the closeness of the encounter. Neither player faced more than three break points, and both held serve in 11 of their 12 service games. Ultimately, Kovacevic’s ability to take initiative during the breakers proved decisive. The victory sends the American into the second round, where he will face France’s Corentin Moutet.

Grigor Dimitrov overcame a challenging opening test, defeating Terence Atmane 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a match that featured multiple momentum shifts. The Bulgarian initially appeared in control after securing a break in the opening set and protecting it to move ahead 6-4. Dimitrov managed the rallies well during the early stages, using his variety to disrupt Atmane’s rhythm.

However, the second set proved far more complicated. Dimitrov missed several opportunities to extend his lead, including a game where he failed to convert seven break points. Atmane took advantage of the reprieve and eventually broke late to level the match.

The deciding set remained tight. Dimitrov was broken early but responded immediately, regaining the initiative and applying pressure on the Frenchman’s serve. A third break eventually allowed the former world No. 3 to move ahead once more.

Despite Atmane firing 10 aces, Dimitrov stayed composed in the key moments and closed out the victory. The Bulgarian advances into the second round as he continues his campaign in Tennis Paradise.

Sebastian Korda progressed to the second round with a 7-5, 6-0 victory over Argentina’s Francisco Comesaña. The opening set featured several breaks of serve as both players struggled to establish rhythm early on. Comesaña initially moved ahead 2-1 after securing the first break, but Korda responded quickly to bring the set back on serve.

Korda appeared close to taking the set when he served at 5-3 but was unable to close it out on that attempt. After missing a set point on return, the American eventually regained control and broke again in the final game to secure the set 7-5. The second set was far more one-sided. Korda raised his level significantly on both serve and return, conceding just four points on serve throughout the set while repeatedly pressuring Comesaña’s delivery.

He converted three of his four break opportunities and closed out the match with a dominant run to secure the 6-0 set. Korda now advances to face eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the second round.

Kamil Majchrzak defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 in one of the most competitive matches of the session. Majchrzak began strongly, taking advantage of inconsistencies in Perricard’s serve to secure the opening set 6-3. Despite the Frenchman’s powerful delivery, several double faults proved costly during key moments.

Perricard responded emphatically in the second set, quickly establishing control and racing to a 5-0 lead before closing it out 6-1. His aggressive serving and first-strike tennis allowed him to dictate most of the rallies. The deciding set proved far tighter. Both players held serve consistently before the match reached its critical stage late on. Majchrzak created a match point opportunity and continued to apply pressure on Perricard’s serve.

Eventually, the Pole secured the decisive break at 6-5 to close out the match. With the victory, Majchrzak sets up a second-round clash against Novak Djokovic.

Mackenzie McDonald produced one of the most dominant performances of the session, defeating Matteo Arnaldi 6-0, 6-1 to advance after coming through qualifying earlier in the week. The American took advantage of a difficult serving day from Arnaldi. The Italian landed just 41% of first serves and struggled to win points behind his second delivery, allowing McDonald to apply constant pressure on return.

McDonald was efficient throughout the match, winning 67% of points on serve and an impressive 62% on return. His consistency forced Arnaldi into numerous mistakes, with the Italian finishing the match with 25 unforced errors.

The American also protected his own serve effectively, saving all five break points he faced and holding every service game. After less than an hour on court, McDonald closed out the victory in convincing fashion. He will now face 27th seed Cameron Norrie, a former Indian Wells champion, in the second round.