The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells gets underway on Wednesday, with an intriguing battle between the world’s top players set to ensue in the dry heat of California.
The top male players in the world reunite for the first time since January’s Australian Open, having each taken in various tournaments in different corners of the globe.
Novak Djokovic is the man to beat. The Serbian is world number one with a monstrous 4000 point cushion ahead of number two, Roger Federer (and a whopping advantage of almost 8000 points over Messrs Nadal and Murray), having won the Australian Open for the fifth time in January. He’ll be eager to defend his Paribas Open title, as well as the Miami Masters later this month, and also grab the 2000 ranking points on offer over both events to further cement his position as the best in the world.
Despite Djokovic’s seeming domination, Federer showed that he still has what it takes to compete with the best when he beat the Serbian comprehensively in two sets in an enticing contest in the final of the ATP Dubai last month. The 33-year-old has won the Indian Wells Masters a record four times, but has he got another in the locker?
Andy Murray was also in Dubai, but suffered a shock straight sets quarter-final defeat at the hands of 18-year-old Croatian, Borna Ćorić. The Scot still hasn’t quite rediscovered the consistency of form that saw him win Wimbledon in 2013, although he did reach the Australian Open final at the start of the year and also helped Great Britain to victory over the United States in the Davis Cup last week with a straight sets victory over John Isner.
Following a disappointing quarter-final exit in the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal is edging closer back to top form after recovering from appendix surgery. Nadal has been hindered by injuries in recent years, but still only 28, it’s certainly possible that we’ll see the Spaniard back challenging for Majors in the very near future. Nadal, along with Djokovic, has three previous Paribas Open titles – can either match Federer’s record of four?
Along with the ‘big four’, eyes will also on last year’s US Open champion, Marin Cilic, and Juan Martin del Potro, both of whom return to the court after lengthy spells out with injuries.
Serena Williams returns to the place she won her first WTA title way back in 1999. Indeed, it’s been a while for Serena, her last appearance in this tournament came in 2001 when she beat Kim Clijsters in the final. If she marks her return with another Indian Wells title, she’ll become the first female to win three titles here. That said, Maria Sharapova and (albeit less likely) Daniela Hantchova are also in with a shot of a record third title here.
As ever, Serena is the big favourite heading into the tournament, with Maria Sharapova likely to provide some stern competition. However, Victoria Azarenka could certainly do some damage in California following her return from injury. The 25-year-old former world number one is currently ranked a lowly 38 in the rankings, but that position is sure to improve ahead of the summer’s majors.
Will Serena dominate once again, or could Sharapova or Azarenka demonstrate the unpredictability of the women’s game?
The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells starts on Wednesday 11th March, with the women’s and men’s finals bringing proceedings to a close on Sunday 22nd March 2015.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
