Indian Wells: Top 8 Men’s Contenders
Mar 16, 2014; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) with the championship trophy after winning the BNP Paribas Open against Roger Federer (SUI) at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Djokovic won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Indian Wells: Top 8 Men’s Contenders
Many consider the Masters Tournament at Indian Wells the biggest title outside of the Grand Slams. Nicknamed the “Fifth Slam,” the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is a coveted title by all of the men on the ATP Tour.
Nicknamed the “Fifth Slam,” the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is a coveted title by all of the men on the ATP Tour.
The tournament has grown exponentially over the past few years. A new stadium 2 that seats 8,000 fans was added to the mix last year. There are nine total match stadiums and in the beginning stages of the event, there are tennis stars playing on all of them. Indian Wells also offers unprecedented fan access to the players. The ability to watch the stars out on the practice courts in coupled with the general friendliness of the entire event to create a tournament that is loved by both fans and players.
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Coming into this tournament, a few men have had great success this season. Novak Djokovic came out on top at the Australian Open, but Roger Federer took him out for the title in Dubai. Stan Wawrinka has won two tournaments, but lost early in Marseille. Andy Murray looked great in Melbourne, but has stumbled in two 500 level events this year. Kei Nishikori won in Memphis, but was handled by David Ferrer in Acapulco. Rafael Nadal got back on track on the clay of Buenos Aires, but seems to be lacking confidence on the hard courts, evidenced by his loss to Tomas Berdych in Australia.
With all of the ups and downs on tour, a title at Indian Wells can vault a player to an amazing year. So which men on the ATP Tour have the best chance to win at Indian Wells?
Next: Indian Wells: Top Contender #8
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