Serve On SI

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios could meet in 2nd round of Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are on a collision course at Indian Wells.
Pat Benson|
Nick Kyrgios (left) and Novak Djokovic (right) in action during the doubles match at the Brisbane international.
Nick Kyrgios (left) and Novak Djokovic (right) in action during the doubles match at the Brisbane international. | IMAGO / AAP

On Monday night, tournament organizers announced the main draw for the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. As tennis fans quickly looked over the brackets, one intriguing potential matchup popped off the screen.

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are well-positioned to meet in the second round of the ATP 1000 Masters event. Djokovic is the sixth seed with a first-round bye.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios used his protected ranking and will face a qualifier in the first round. It is far from certain that Kyrgios will win the match, but his chances are strong.

Djokovic enters the tournament as the World No. 7 with a singles record of 7-3. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has flashed moments of brilliance but has been slowed down by lower-body injuries in recent years.

Kyrgios is the No. 1099 and has a record of 0-2. To his credit, both of Kyrgios's matches were hard-fought losses against strong players.

Djokovic and Kyrgios faced off in the 2022 Wimbledon final. More recently, they were doubles partners to start the season in Brisbane.

Regardless of Kyrgios getting a chance to face Djokovic, many fans have already chalked the potential matchup as a win for the latter. The Serbian superstar could face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal. It would be a rematch from earlier this year at the Australian Open.

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is scheduled for March 2-16, 2025. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

Iga Swiatek announces a new sponsor logo starting at Indian Wells .

Indian Wells adjusted its court surface and it will change everything.

Qinwen Zheng reunites with her coach before Indian Wells.

Emma Raducanu hires an interim coach before Indian Wells.

Ben Shelton leaps Jack Draper for new career high in the ATP Rankings.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow Pat_Benson_Jr
Home/News