Ben Shelton and Alex de Minaur have been dominant in the desert so far and both have a good chance to reach at least the quarterfinals in Indian Wells. They will face Brandon Nakashima and Francisco Cerundolo, respectively.

(32) Brandon Nakashima vs. (11) Ben Shelton

It will be an all-American showdown when Shelton and Nakashima square off for the fourth time in their careers during fourth-round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. Shelton has won all three of their previous meetings and has never lost a single set to Nakashima, although four of seven have required tiebreakers and no set has been less competitive than 7-5.Based on how Shelton has played through two rounds, his compatriot could be in for another tough day at the office. The ball is flying through the air and jumping off the court in a big way for the world No. 12, who has rolled over Mariano Navone and Karen Khachanov. Nakashima is also playing well (defeated Rinky Hijikata and Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets), but this match will be on Shelton’s racket. Expect the 22-year-old to remain undefeated in this matchup.

Pick: Shelton in 2

(25) Francisco Cerundolo vs. (9) Alex de Minaur

De Minaur has been stellar in 2025 with a 15-4 record that includes a quarterfinal performance at the Australian Open and runner-up finish in Rotterdam. The 10th-ranked Aussie is showing no signs of slowing down in Indian Wells, where has destroyed both David Goffin and Hubert Hurkacz.

Up next for De Minaur is a second meeting with Cerundolo, who lost their only previous encounter 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3 less than two months ago in Melbourne. The 26th-ranked Argentine is an all-court player who is at his best on clay, so Indian Wells conditions are not bad for his game and he has advanced this fortnight with wins over Mackenzie McDonald and Botic van de Zandschulp. Given how De Minaur is looking, though, an upset is not likely to be in the cards.

Pick: De Minaur in 2