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Indian Wells: Top 8 Men’s Contenders

By Nate Slaymaker

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Mar 13, 2014; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Roger Federer (SUI) during his quarter final match against Kevin Anderson (RSA) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Federer won 7-5, 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

4. Roger Federer

An early loss…at the Australian Open has put a cloud over his season so far, but Federer has had great results.

2015 Record: 11-1

Career at Indian Wells: 47-10

Best Finish at Indian Wells:  Winner (2012, 2006, 2005, 2004)

That is not a typo. Federer is an amazing 11-1 in 2015. An early loss to Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open has put a cloud over his season so far, but Federer has had great results. He has earned titles at Brisbane and Dubai, his record seventh in the Emirate.

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Federer has been deliberate in his scheduling this year, only entering three events. He also will not be playing the second event of this United States Masters swing in Miami. He wants to peak for the events he enters and so far it is working well.

Federer dominated this event from 2004-06. In 2012, he won his record fourth title at Indian Wells. He is comfortable with the setup and knows what it takes to power through the strong field the tournament always draws.

The Swiss champion could be ranked higher on this list, but his age is likely to catch up with him. Yes, he has two titles, but he did not face a top 10 player until the final in each of those tournaments. It remains to be seen at this point in his career if he can win two or three matches in a row against the best in the game.

Next: Indian Wells: Top Contender #3

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