The last few years for the Sporting Base, I have been reporting from Canada. The ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells has been by first live sporting event and I am thrilled to report from California. Today I attended Christopher O’Connell’s first round match against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and won 6-3, 0-6, 6-1. It was a very even match and O’Connell rebounded well after a second set neck ailment when he called for the trainers.
Here is my post conference interview with O’Connell, the world number 75.
Q: Some of your greatest matches in tennis have been in the United States. You reached the fourth round of Miami and the third round of the United States Open last year. What would you like to accomplish this week in Indian Wells?
A: “I love playing in the States. The conditions are a little bit different to any other tournament. It is just one match at a time. We will get through today. We will have another big matchup against Berrettini (the 2021 Wimbledon finalist).”
Head-to-head, Berrettini has beaten O’Connell twice. He won 7-6, 7-6 in the first round of Shanghai in 2024 and 7-6, 6-2 in the second round of Dubai in 2025.
Q: A year ago you beat Nicolas Jarry in the first round of the United States Open and Frances Tiafoe in Miami. What were those experiences like?
A: “I have had some good wins in the U.S. and I just like playing here.”
Q: Tell me about your match today against Roberto Carballes Baena today. What were your major reasons for your success?
A: “I had a good Middle East swing when I was playing on the hard court over there. I feel I can continue with that momentum into the desert out here in Indian Wells.”
It should be noted that O’Connell called for the trainer late in the second set, when he was trailing 5-0. It appeared he had a sore neck. O’Connell claims he does not have any serious injury, and is fine for Berrettini.
O’Connell is now being coached by his father. He had previously been coached by Marinko Matosevic. O’Connell and his father have a passion for Australian horse racing!
