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The Indian Wells Defence: Will Federer be challenged?

By Keshav Gopalan

INDIAN WELLS, CA - MARCH 19: Roger Federer of Switzerland throws his wristband to fans in the stands as celebrates after defeating Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the mens final during day fourteen of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 19, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA - MARCH 19: Roger Federer of Switzerland throws his wristband to fans in the stands as celebrates after defeating Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the mens final during day fourteen of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 19, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The Indian Wells Masters begins this Thursday, where Roger Federer is the defending champion and is playing his first tournament as the newly crowned World Number One. In a field that is depleted due to injuries and players fresh into their comebacks, will Federer be challenged?

The Competition

Marin Cilic

The Croat is the second seed and comes in with a great start to the season. While his South American Clay season wasn’t the best, his hard court performance so far has been great, and while his form is questionable given his unexplained withdrawal from Acapulco, he seems to have been working hard on his core fitness.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Delpo played fabulous tennis throughout the tournament in Acapulco in his first ATP 500 title since October 2013. His 2018 season before Acapulco has been wonky and while his result in Acapulco is plenty promising, it remains to be seen if Delpo will be able to build on that momentum.

Apart from his recent form, Del Potro has the game to shake Federer, with their last three matches being hard fought, tight strung power hitting, of which Delpo won one match (US Open). A meeting in the final awaits if both of them are to make it through the draw. Delpo will, however, have to battle past a difficult opponent in the fourth round, who is –

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic at the 2018 Australian Open (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) /

Yes, he’s coming off an injury. Yes, his serve has become very weak. (Yes, the man is even playing! What a shocker). However, after finally getting a surgery for his deteriorating elbow and working hard on making himself match ready, Novak has made himself available to play in Indian Wells. While the decision seems questionable, Serbian media houses reported that his decision with regards to participating would be dependent extensive medical check-ups.

If Nole finds his form, he could be a huge threat. However, he will have to reach the final for that to materialise, which is unlikely.

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