Kyrgios and Djokovic on Indian Wells collision course
Nick Kyrgios could meet his mate and doubles partner Novak Djokovic in the second round at Indian Wells after the draw set the Australian against a qualifier in the first round.
Kyrgios, who has not won a singles match since 2022, could take the record 24-time Major winner in a repeat of their Wimbledon final in that same year, which Djokovic won 4–6 6–3 6–4 7–6 (7–3).
Djokovic, who is the No.6 seed at what is dubbed the "fifth Major", has a first-round bye.
Unlike most players on the ATP Tour, Kyrgios has a favourable record against Djokovic, having beaten the Serbian in two of their three meetings.
One of those was at Indian Wells in 2017, and the Australian will be hoping to repeat that feat despite struggling for match-time because of a rotten run with injuries over the past two years.
The victor of their potential clash will be on course to meet Australia's No.1, Alex De Minaur, in the last 16 if he can get through his first two matches.
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Also on their side of the draw is former world No.1 and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who shapes as a potential quarter-final opponent.
Alcaraz begins his title defence against Frenchman Quentin Halys, whom he has never played, or a qualifier in the second round.
Denis Shapovalov, who claimed his maiden ATP 500 crown in Dallas, is also in Alcaraz's road, making for a tricky path to that potential Kyrgios or Djokovic meeting.
There are several other Australians in the draw – Jordan Thompson, Chris O'Connell, Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata and Alexei Popyrin. Li Tu defeated countryman James Duckworth in qualifying 6-4 6-2 to go through, and Adam Walton could join him if he beats American Michael Mmoh in their qualifying match.
Alexander Zverev, who is the No.1 seed, is pursuing his first Indian Wells title anad arrives in good form having won four of his past seven matches.
The German will face Tallon Griekspoor or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.
No.3 seed Taylor Fritz, who won the title in 2022, has a second-round clash against Argentine Sebastian Baez, the runner-up at the Chile Open this week, or a qualifier.
Rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca is in the draw as a wld card and faces Briton Jacob Fearnley, who is making his tournament debut. The winner between Fonseca and Fearnley will play No.13 seed Jack Draper.
