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Match details
Fixture: (PR) Borna Coric vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open.
Round: First round (Round of 128).
Date: 10 March, 2022
Venue: Indian Wells, USA.
Category: ATP Masters 1000.
Surface: Hardcourt.
Prize money: $8,584,055.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video. | India - Voot
Borna Coric vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina preview
Borna Coric will make his long-awaited return to tennis at Indian Wells this year, as he takes on Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round.
The former World No. 12 had a solid run of form early last year, but had to undergo surgery for a chronic shoulder injury in May. The 25-year-old has been through a long, ardous rehabilitation process and spoke about it in a recent interview with Sportskeeda. After exactly one year away from the game, he will make his return to competitive action using a protected ranking at Indian Wells.
The Croat has a solid record at Indian Wells, reaching the semifinals of the Masters 1000 event in 2018. The Croat was edged by Roger Federer 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in a tight encounter.
After making giants strides early last year and reaching the Roland Garros quarterfinals, Davidovich Fokina's progress was halted by a back injury.
He has had a shaky start to the year. The Spaniard was outlasted in four tie-break sets by Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round at Roland Garros. He then suffered early losses in Rotterdam and Dubai. His quarter-final finish in Doha was his best result of the year.
Borna Coric vs Alexandro Davidovich Fokina head-to-head
The first-round encounter at Indian Wells is the first match between Borna Coric and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Borna Coric vs Alexandro Davidovich Fokina prediction
After a year away from the tour, Coric is unlikely to be at his best, giving Davidovich Fokina the edge in the upcoming encounter.
The Croat does not rely on his power or serve, usually preferring to build points and outlast opponents in longer rallies. Time will tell whether his injury will force him to change strategy and perhaps look to play more aggresively to end points quicker than usual.
Davidovich Fokina is a tricky player. The Spaniard is not the hardest hitter on tour, but his footspeed and dogged style of play make him a tough opponent for anyone.
With Coric looking to play himself back into form and fitness after a long stint away from tennis, he is unlikely to be able to get past the challenge posed by the Spaniard.
Prediction: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to win in two tight sets.
