Indian Wells Day 3 Previews: Rublev vs. Murray, Kokkinakis vs. Sinner, Kerber vs. Ostapenko

Rublev needs redemption after getting disqualified in Dubai for verbally abusing a linesman. After some travel from desert to desert, the Russian is surely eager to perform at his best. Murray is also carrying a heavy load from Dubai to Indian Wells, as he recently announced that he is “likely not going to play past this summer.” Both fan-favorites—still—have a lot to prove heading into this matchup, and neither one is going down without a fight. Winner: Andrey Rublev

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After an unexpected DQ from last week's semifinals match in Dubai, Rublev looks for a clean slate moving into Indian Wells.

Thanasi Kokkinakis vs. Jannik Sinner

Sinner is looking to extend his 15-match win streak, which began at the Australian Open. Could an Australian stop it? Sinner is playing remarkable tennis, tying records that haven’t been seen since 2001. He’s heading into this match-up with well-established confidence, and he leads the head-to-head battle 3-0. But no player can ever be too careful playing Kokkinakis. He upset Marcos Giron in the first round, and not too long ago took out one Roger Federer in Miami. If there was ever an underdog not to be trifled with, it’s him. Winner: Jannik Sinner

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Angelique Kerber vs. Jelena Ostapenko

These two have battled three times before, with Kerber leading 2-1. But 31 months since their last meeting, each player has evolved both on and off the court. While Kerber is repping the returned mothers alongside Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina, Ostapenko is fighting the Top 10 climb, sitting just 17 points behind Maria Sakkari at No. 9. Ostapenko has more to gain from this match—and frankly, more to lose—and this internal motivator will fuel herself into the third round. Winner: Jelena Ostapenko