Indian Wells – Who to look out for
Posted on March 07 2016
Djokovic chasing records, DelPo returns, Thiem chases continued success, and Kygrios is surrounded in controversy once more – Indian Wells looks set to be another banger!
This week marks the start of Indian Wells, the first of nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments. It is one of the most idyllic settings for tennis in the world and often creates the best tennis of the year.
Djokovic is set to win his third consecutive title, and a potential record fifth for his career. Unfortunately, the great Fed, the last man to win three consecutive Wells tittles, will not be there to challenge him as he has withdrawn with a knee injury.
Despite Fed’s absence, the draw is packed with talent; 43 of the top 50 will be on show including Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Stan Wawrinka.
The big four, Djokovic, Murray, Federer and Nadal, have won 48 of the last 52 Masters 1,000 tournaments and it’s hard to look past anyone but Novak Djokovic as the eventual winner of this year’s Indian Wells, but for those of you interested in who to look out for here’s our list!
Juan Martin Del Potro –
The gentle giant from Argentina is back after surgery on his left wrist in June. He made a successful comeback at Delray Beach, making the semi-finals but eventually losing, 7-5 7-5 to American, Sam Querrey. DelPo is actually the last person to beat Djokovic at Indian Wells in the 2013 semi finals! I have to admit I’d love to see the lanky Argentine pull that off again!
Andy Murray –
Murray was back to winning ways after baby duties this weekend, helping GB to a win over Japan. He beat Nishikori in a five set epic, and now looks to make Scottish waves in the dry dessert.
Domonic Thiem –
Domonic Thiem actually stands as the most successful player in 2016 so far with 20 match wins. The youngster has been exciting thus far but unlikely to continue such success…surely?!
Nick Kyrgios –
Yes, I couldn’t leave out Kyrgios. The young Aus is in the bad books again after teammate, Bernard Tomic accused him of faking injury to avoid playing Australia’s Davis Cup tie which they lost 3-1. Kygrios fired back on twitter, mocking Tomic for his record loss against Jarko Niemenen.