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Match Details
Fixture: (20) Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel
Date: Friday, March 10, 2023
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel preview
Twentieth seed Matteo Berrettini will take on Taro Daniel in his Indian Wells opener on Friday (March 10).
The 23rd-ranked Berrettini is 5-4 on the season. He opened his campaign with a trio of wins at the inaugural United Cup in January before losing his next three matches. That included a first-round exit at the Australian Open to five-time finalist Andy Murray.
Berrettini returned to winning ways in Acapulco earlier this month, reaching the last eight, where he lost to Holger Rune, retiring with an injury.
The Italian has reached at least the third round at Indian Wells in his last two appearances but has had two opening-round exits (2018, 2019) too. Nevertheless, he will fancy his chances of extending his winning run in the opening round of the ATP Masters 1000 event for a third straight year.
Meanwhile, World No. 103 Daniel improved to 5-3 on the season by seeing off Roberto Carballes Baena in the opening round. Earlier, the Japanese reached the Acapulco quarterfinals, losing to eventual winner Alex de Minaur. Daniel's only other win on the ATP tour this year came in the Australian Open first round (beating Ernesto Escobedo).
Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel head-to-head
Berrettini has won three of his four meetings with Daniel. In the pair's last meeting, Berrettini beat Daniel in straight sets in the Naples quarterfinals last year. In fact, the Italian has beaten Daniel three times in a row since the latter won their pair's first meeting at 2018 Istanbul.
Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Matteo Berrettini vs Taro Daniel prediction
Both Daniel and Berrettini look to win points from the baseline. However, the latter's superior power - both on the serve and groundstrokes off either flank - gives him a distinct edge.
Daniel has modest attributes, with none particularly standing out, with which to trouble the 2021 Wimbledon finalist. Berrettini may be coming off an injury-plagued season, but he should see off Daniel without much trouble.
Prediction: Berrettini in straight sets
