The men’s singles draw is out for Indian Wells, the first Masters 1000 of the year. Boy, am I excited!
LOOK OUT FOR:
Nadal vs. Berdych and Djokovic vs. Stepanek in the Rd. of 16.
Federer (coached by Cahill) vs. Verdasco (coached by Cahill) in the quarters.
Andy Murray wilting before the third round.
That always hoped for Federer vs. Nadal final. Or why not another go of Nadal vs. Verdasco? It’s going to be good no matter what.
Federer playing doubles with Yves Allegro/Nadal playing doubles with Lopez – we’ll confirm on Thursday when the draw is out.
THE SEEDS
1. Nadal, 2. Federer, 3. Djokovic, 4. Murray, 5. Davydenko (!), 6. Del Potro, 7. Roddick, 8. Simon, 9. Monfils, 10. Verdasco, 11. Tsonga, 12. Ferrer, 13. Blake, 14. Nalbandian, 15. Robredo, 16. Wawrinka
The men’s game is so awesome right now, I could have listed the top 30 seeds + and still have some real contenders in the list.
THE STORY
Nadal’s quarter: If Rafa wasn’t such a bad ass, I’d call his draw scary. He’s looking at Tursunov in Rd. 3 and a tricky Rd. of 16 against Berdych, Youzhny or Nalbandian. The quarters might be easier for him – Safin, Monfils and Del Potro are the top seeds. Also look out for wild cards John Isner and Taylor Dent (good to see you back, T.D.!)
Djokovic’s quarter: It’s like the Davis Cup special. The defending champ’s got three Argentines in his little section alone, and Tommy Haas, Rainer Schuettler, Radek Stepanek, Stan Wawrinka, David Ferrer, etc. etc. are lurking nearby. Either Stepanek or Wawrinka could threaten Novak in the Rd. of 16, or Sam Querrey could make a surprise push. Roddick’s waiting in the quarters, unless Kiefer, Fish or Ferrer (again!?) score the minor upset.
Top half semi: Nadal vs. Djokovic or Stepanek vs. Berdych
Murray’s quarter: The top two seeds in this quarter are in doubt, physically (Murray‘s virus) and mentally (Simon‘s Davis Cup thrashing). That’s why I’m seeing Tsonga vs. Ancic and Cilic vs. Mathieu (yeah, really) in the Rd. of 16.
Federer’s quarter: Karlovic in Rd. 3 (ugh!), Gonzo or Blake in the Rd. of 16 and Versdasco is an intriguing possibility in the quarters as I don’t see Davydenko making good on his 5th seeding. What will Darren Cahill do if his two pupils meet?
Bottom half semi: Federer vs. Tsonga or Verdasco vs. Murray (just for kicks)
PREDICTIONS:
I’m hoping: Federer vs. Nadal
I’m betting: Federer vs. Nadal
SPEAK UP!
Which guy is winning Indian Wells? Total Voters: 600
Loading ...
Click here for the BNPParibas Open website.
Shirtless Photo from ’08 Indian Wells: Getty Images/Harry How
Thumbnail Photo from ’08 Indian Wells: REUTERS/Danny Moloshok
