Stan Wawrinka becomes new favorite at 2017 Miami Open

Mar 18, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Stan Wawrinka (SUI) in his semi-final match against Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Stan Wawrinka (SUI) in his semi-final match against Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stan Wawrinka automatically becomes the top seed with both Murray and Djokovic’s withdrawals. He is the new favorite to win the 2017 Miami Open.

Stan Wawrinka becomes the top seeded men’s singles player at the Miami Open. With Novak Djokovic joining Andy Murray in his withdrawal from the tournament, the Swiss tennis player has a chance to take advantage of their absence.

The Swiss player is coming off of a tough loss at Indian Wells to fellow countryman Roger Federer.

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Federer took home his fifth title at Indian Wells over the current world No. 3.

Despite his being the world No. 3 and having three Grand Slam singles titles to his name, Wawrinka is yet to emerge from the shadow of Federer.

Even with the recent surge of the great Roger Federer, Wawrinka must be considered the favorite to win at the 2017 Miami Open. His friend and fellow countryman Federer is not the only player he will have to contend with however. Although the top two players in men’s singles tennis will be absent, other top players such as Kei Nishikori, Rafael Nadal, and Dominic Thiem will be players to watch.

Miami is a chance for Stan Wawrinka to reassert himself in 2017. While it was tough for him to lose to Federer in the finals, he did have a fantastic week of tennis. Wawrinka saw wins over top players such as Thiem and Pablo Carreno Busta.

Look for Wawrinka to take advantage of his top seeding in Miami.

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