Indian Wells Masters: who are the early 2019 favorites in men’s and women’s singles?

Qualifying action is underway at the 2019 Indian Wells Masters. Let’s take a look at who the early favorites are in men’s and women’s singles.

Men’s singles action will be without its defending champion this year at the 2019 Indian Wells Masters. Argentine tennis great Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn due to ongoing injury issues. He is suffering from a knee injury and continues to miss tournaments. In his absence, all eyes have to turn to the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.

Federer is an interesting pick to take the title this year as he finished runner-up to Delpo in 2018 and he is the 2017 champion in men’s singles at the event. The Swiss legend is also a five-time winner at the Indian Wells Masters and is coming off of his 100th title win.

At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Federer defeated rising ATP star Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals. It was his first tournament action since the Australian Open. The title run gives Federer loads of momentum heading into the Indian Wells Masters.

The defending champion in women’s singles is Naomi Osaka. She looks to defend not only her title there but also the world number one ranking on the WTA Tour. There are a slew of players on her heels for the top ranking in the sport.

Each of these players could take the title at the Indian Wells Masters. Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Sloane Stephens, and Karolina Pliskova could come out strong. Plus, Osaka needs to consider some of the lower seeded but historically dominant players such as American legend Serena Williams. Also keep an eye on German tennis star Angelique Kerber and WTA Finals champion Elina Svitolina.

While Federer has momentum following his Dubai Tennis Championships win, Djokovic enters his first tournament since the 2019 Australian Open where he took the title in men’s singles. He is the current world number one and appears unstoppable on the ATP Tour right now. If he can take the title at the Indian Wells Masters, he will also tie Nadal for his record 33 Masters 1000 wins. Djokovic, a five-time champion at the event, cannot discount Rafa who is a three-time champ. Other players who could play spoiler include Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev, and Kei Nishikori among others.