INDIAN WELLS PREVIEW

After Novak dominated in Australia, we wondered if there is anybody who can compete with him this year. Nadal fell well short in the Australian Open Final while Federer was beaten pretty soundly in the quarter finals by Tsitsipas.

Djokovic and Federer have won this even 5 times each so both are aiming for a historic 6th. Federer is fresh from his 100th career title in Dubai last week so will be confident and I’m sure a little weight will be lifted after reaching that milestone.

Federer was beaten in last year’s final by Del Potro. Del Potro has withdrawn from this years tournament through injury. Federer and Nadal will play in the same half of the draw while Djokovic will play in the other half.

Djokovic has a potentially tricky match early on against Nick Kyrgios who played a tremendous tournament last week in Mexico beating Nadal, Wawrinka and Zverev to take the title.

Tsitsipas, who lost the final to Federer in Dubai will also one to look out for. Having made the tiop 10 for the first time and riding high on confidence after a sensational start to 2019, he is one to watch.

Zverev has also proven to be a world beater at the O2 in London last year. Though he has yet to repeat that type of performance, it certainly seems he is capable of doing it again.

I always have more confidence in Federer in the 1000 events than in grand slam 5 set matches. He can certainly compete better in that format. Having said that, I agree with almost all pundits about Djokovic in Indian Wells. He has openly said that Indian Wells, aside from the slams, is his favourite event. The massive 16,000 seater main court is the second biggest in tennis and he revels in it.

Predictably, Djokovic for the title this year.