Kyrgios Returns to Face Van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells 2025

INDIAN WELLS, California — In a much-anticipated clash, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios is set to square off against Dutch competitor Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open on March 6.

Kyrgios, currently ranked No. 1099, will utilize a protected ranking after a two-year absence from the singles tour due to injuries. He made his return earlier this year playing doubles with Novak Djokovic and participated in the Australian Open, where he faced an early exit against Jacob Fearnley. His most recent appearance at Indian Wells came in 2022, where he advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Rafael Nadal. This year, he aims to reclaim his footing in the competitive landscape of men’s tennis.

“I am excited to be back on the court again after such a long break,” Kyrgios said during a press conference. “Every match is a chance to prove myself and show the fans what I can do.”

Van de Zandschulp, a former World No. 22, has experienced a challenging start to the season, encountering multiple early-round exits. However, he recently secured his position in the main draw by navigating through the qualifying rounds, defeating players Lukas Klein and Matteo Migante. Known for his gritty play and strong returns, the Dutchman is looking to capitalize on Kyrgios’s lack of recent competitive play.

“I’ve prepared well for this match,” Van de Zandschulp stated. “Kyrgios is always a tough opponent, but I believe in my game and my ability to perform under pressure.”

Should Van de Zandschulp defeat Kyrgios, he will advance to face five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic, who is awaiting the winner after receiving a first-round bye.

Both players have no prior record against each other on the ATP Tour, making this matchup particularly intriguing. Insights from sports analytics suggest that Van de Zandschulp holds a slight advantage due to Kyrgios’s ongoing fitness concerns.

The current ATP odds reflect this outlook, with Van de Zandschulp favored at $1.40 and Kyrgios at $3.00. Betting analysts recommend weighing Kyrgios’s potential to surprise, given his skill set and experience on the tour.

The match is set to start at 1:00 PM AEDT, coinciding with the ongoing excitement of the Indian Wells tournament.