Day Five Indian Wells predictions

Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Fernando Verdasco (ESP) - Berdych leads the series 4-3 but Verdasco starts favourite this time. He blitzed Delgado on Saturday while Berdych had to battle before edging past Serra. The Spaniard will be more controlled than the Czech and move into the last 16 with a solid victory.

Mario Ancic (CRO) v Rafael Nadal (ESP) - This is a huge challenge for Ancic. The Croat was done well to post two good wins, but beating the defending champion is too great an ask. Nadal cruised past Schuettler last round and an underdone Ancic will be easing pickings for him here. Nadal to get the win in straight sets.

Juan Monaco (ARG) v Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) - Ferrero is flying in 2010 with a 15-3 record and I’m selecting him in this match-up. He has beaten Monaco twice this season (both on clay) and he adapts better than the Argentine on a hardcourt. Experience should see the Spaniard progress to the next round.

Brian Dabul (ARG) v Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) - Dabul keeps surprising, upending the tired looking Simon in the second round. Ljubicic has had a soft draw so far and this looks like another victory for him here. He has the power, experience and class to overwhelm Dabul in this match. The Croat in straight sets.

John Isner (USA) v Sam Querrey (USA) - A great match-up that will go the distance. Querrey beat Isner in the Memphis final last month and I think he can do it again. Isner is the higher ranked player and a great talent, but Querrey’s all-round game seems to have Isner’s measure at the moment. Querrey in three tough sets.

Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) v Novak Djokovic (SRB) - Kohlschreiber handled countryman Petzschner with ease last round while Djokovic turned in a rusty performance getting past Fish. But the Serb will be better adjusted in this match and prove too good for the flashy German. Djokovic in straight sets.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) - The Spaniard’s dominant display to knock out Cilic last round was a huge effort, but I think his run will end at the hands of Bellucci here. He can put in a super performance like that and then a shocker the next time. The Brazilian will be fresh after a walkover against Moya and he might catch Garcia-Lopez on one of his bad days. Bellucci in two sets.

Read here the predictions of day 4.

Mark Skendaris