Tomas Machac has hit form at the perfect time, with the Czech star winning the Mexican Open ahead of Indian Wells.
Machac is keeping tabs on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with his Mexican Open win representing his first ATP Tour title.
He now turns his attention to Indian Wells 2025, with Machac having won his Acapulco final against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Machac is the 19th seed at Indian Wells and has been given a bye in round one, with Alexander Bublik or a qualifier awaiting in round two.
The 24-year-old started his superb Mexican Open run with a victory over compatriot Jakub Mensik, with German Daniel Altmaier then beaten in the round of 16.
Sam Querrey and Jack Sock disagree over Tomas Machac potential
Machac then made it past Americans Learner Tien and Brandon Nakashima, with the eighth seed then triumphing over Spaniard Fokina to clinch the trophy.
But his success has divided opinion, with former professional Jack Sock saying on the Nothing Major podcast: “I think his movement around the court, his ball striking, he is very disciplined, smart player it seems like.
“Makes you play a lot of balls and gets a lot of balls back. I figured he would give guys trouble, I’m not sure I had him in the top 20 or moving up the way he is or winning a 500 title.
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“He was on the fortunate side of the carnage that happened, I think that’s safe to say. I would say top 20 is an incredible accomplishment for him.
“I am not sure – I think once you get there, all the guys in front of him are going to be tough to pass up, all these amazing players.
“But he’s obviously a hell of a player, strikes the ball very cleanly and is one of the fastest guys out there. I think he could maybe [go up] a couple more spots, but this may be the highest he gets in my opinion.”
Sock’s fellow ex-professional Sam Querrey then said: “I think his game is really good. I think he could make the top 10.
“If [Alex] de Minaur and Holger Rune can get in the top 10, I am a little more bullish on Machac. He beat [Novak] Djokovic this year, right?
“He is like one good tournament away from top 10. I think he is like 10, I am not going top five, but I am going 10. He is going to reach it.”
Tomas Machac secures career-high ranking after Mexican Open win
Machac has risen a huge five places to 20th in the ATP rankings following his success, which represents a career-high.
The Czech ace will be thrilled with that rise and indeed his maiden title, but plenty more hard work is now required to push on from this moment.
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He will still be celebrating the success, but the tournaments come thick and fast on the ATP Tour, with the small matter of Indian Wells up next.
The iconic ATP Masters 1000 event is a step up from his recent ATP 500 title, a scenario that Machac will be well aware of.
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