BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells

[CR27] Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs. [CR49] Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)

It was another match filled with Kyrgios’ drama, which seems to be the modus operandi of Kyrgios. Today he was given a code violation and a point penalty for “audible obscenity”.  It’s a pity, because Kyrgios is very talented; yet you lose sight of that because of his “ugly behavior”.  Ramos-Vinolas was given a time violation warning, so drama was present on both sides of the net.  On-court fist pumps or pointed stares add spice to matches, but there is no need for vulgarity, it takes away from the tennis.  I almost expected Kyrgios to retire once the drama begun and he lost his focus.  Perhaps he did, he just did not leave the court, instead his level of play dropped. Ramos-Vinolas hung in mentally and rode the wave of on court tension to get the 7-6(4), 7-5 victory.

Berdych Ruins Del Potro’s Indian Wells Plans

[CR7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs. [CR420] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)

It’s been very tough for Del Potro, who underwent wrist surgeries on both wrists to keep him off the tour for extended period of times (2014-2016).  At his best he was one of the best and defeated the best, now he has to work his way back into the game, both physically and mentally.  This match would be a good indicator of his recovery and give him an idea of what needs to be improved.  It was a tightly contested first set, which Berdych won 7-6(4).  That was too much for Del Potro to overcome mentally and possibly physically. The second set was just a formality as Del Potro could not elevate his game to keep up with Berdych who seemed to grow in confidence after winning the first set. Berdych won 7-6(4), 6-2.  Can Del Potro get back to his once intimidating level?