Welcome again, Rafa. You may have been given a workable 2024 Indian Wells draw. Not straightforward, thoughts you, however manageable. Because the 22-time Grand Slam champion makes an attempt one other comeback from damage, each potential opponent in Rafael Nadal’s part has query marks of his personal. It’s a little bit of luck. Now let’s see what Nadal makes of it.
On the ladies’s facet, right here’s the story: 2-time Australian Open champion and world quantity two Aryna Sabalenka has arguably the hardest draw of the highest 4 seeds. After operating the desk with nary a set dropped in Oz, this path appears to be like extra dicey for her.
On each side, for one peaceable, sensible second in time, all the key stars are right here and fairly wholesome. They’re prepared to attract again their bows for the battle on the 2024 BNP Paribas Open.
Now to the preview and evaluation, part by part.
2024 Indian Wells Draw Preview: Djokovic Quarter
The world primary, GOAT and 24-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic has a possibility right here. This Indian Wells draw presents a shot for him to rebound from what he known as “one of many worst Grand Slam matches I’ve ever performed” in his Australian Open semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. Again in America, Djokovic will probably be motivated.
As a 5 time Indian Wells champion, Nole’s followers needn’t fear about his consolation with the circumstances right here within the Cali desert. Djokovic has amassed a surprising file of 50-9 on the Tennis Backyard. The place doesn’t he stun? After a bye and a primary spherical match towards Aleks Vucic, the one fascinating floaters in Novak’s part embody Tommy Paul, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Hubert Hurkacz on the backside of the quarter. Simply to provide you an concept, although, Novak’s file towards Hubie is 7-0. Kk. Subsequent!
Medvedev (+ Nadal) Quarter
Right here’s the fascinating space of the Indian Wells draw. The 4-seed Daniil Medvedev sits on the high– and Meddy did make the ultimate final yr earlier than shedding to Carlos Alcaraz. So he can actually contend. However take a look at the underside. Nadal and Milos Raonic meet in a matchup of gamers with protected rankings. Rafa holds an 8-2 profession file towards the Canadian, although Milos did beat him at Indian Wells in 2015. It simply seems that Rafa is in steadier form, if the Netflix Slam exhibition is any indication. Raonic has needed to retire from two of his 4 matches performed this yr.
The winner of that match faces Holger Rune, who has struggled to regain his freshman type. Nadal may reap the benefits of the uncertainty. The following-highest seed close by is Lorenzo Musetti, and Rafa likes him some one-handed backhand opponents. So it’s curiously workable. Needs to be enjoyable to see what the 37-year-old dad has within the tank. Former champion Taylor Fritz and Grigor Dimitrov additionally reside on this quarter.
2024 Indian Wells Draw Preview: Sinner Quarter
Trying on the backside half, Sinner and Andrey Rublev bookend 1 / 4 that options some main younger expertise in Jiri Lehecka, Ben Shelton and wild card Jacub Mensik. As well as, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Francis Tiafoe lurk on this part of the draw.
If Andy Murray can beat a qualifier he’ll tackle Rublev. It’s a match of men who generally yell at folks and themselves. In all seriousness, it seems this might be Murray’s final go-round on the Tennis Backyard. Let’s please take pleasure in.
One would possibly assume Tsitsipas would play effectively on this floor as a result of it’s a slower onerous court docket. However the ball flies within the desert. The dry air causes topspin photographs to maneuver shortly out of strike zones. That’s an issue for a one-handed backhand. Stef’s profession file here’s a paltry 5-5. (Dimitrov additionally doesn’t play effectively right here usually. It’s superb Roger Federer received this title 5 occasions.)
Alcaraz Quarter
Lastly, probably the most compelling quarter on the 2024 BNP Paribas Open options Alcaraz. The Spaniard managed to high Nadal within the Netflix exho, however questions on his ankle sprain stay. Sitting on the different finish is Alexander Zverev, who has just a few early exits right here. Warmth can generally be an element for the German. The man I like on this quarter is Alex De Minaur. Coming off a win in Mexico, Velocity Demon is off to a superb begin in 2024. At 5-5, he doesn’t have an excellent file at Indian Wells, however he’s taking part in too effectively to disregard.
Gamers to look at:QF: Djokovic, Medvedev, Sinner, De MinaurSF: Djokovic, SinnerF: Djokovic
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2024 Indian Wells Draw Preview: Swiatek Quarter
World primary Iga Swiatek obtained a positive draw this yr at Indian Wells. It’s humorous how sure pairs of gamers can simply preserve drawing one another time and again. If Danielle Collins advances previous a qualifier in spherical 1, she’ll get Swiatek once more. Iga has a 5-1 file towards Danielle, who has taken Swiatek to three units in two earlier conferences. It’s usually both an excellent, shut match or an entire blowout. Elsewhere, Swiatek may play Katie Boulter, who simply received in San Diego. I believe she’s mentally and bodily drained from that. The following-highest seed on this quarter is Ons Jabeur, who has been struggling badly for the reason that loss at Wimbledon.
Rybakina Quarter
The BNP Paribas Open defending champion Elena Rybakina has had some unhealthy luck and misplaced some shut matches, however she performs effectively right here. This might be an opportunity for her to reclaim momentum. She would possibly face former IW champ Paula Badosa in spherical 2, who has been awarded a wild card. A participant to look at in his space of the draw is the rising Anna Kalinskaya, who has earned a seed and a bye. And eventually, I at all times like how Beatriz Haddad Maia performs in these circumstances. Fascinating part.
Gauff Quarter
It is a actual alternative for 2023 US Open Champion Coco Gauff as a result of the draw’s not half unhealthy for her. She’ll be a crowd favourite. Lots of the ladies on this part are consistency-type gamers. With an improved forehand, Gauff ought to have the ability to overpower them utilizing her robust backhand and large serve.
Sabalenka Quarter
Lastly, the aforementioned robust draw for Sabalenka. American Jessica Pegula sits on the alternative facet of the quarter, and Jess is a troublesome out. Close to Aryna, wild card Emma Raducanu has one thing to show. Additional up, look out for American Emma Navarro and the always-gritty Elina Svitolina. It’s 1 / 4 stuffed with fighters. If she doesn’t play with some critical self-discipline, Sabalenka will see her go-for-broke forehand flying out too typically.
Gamers to Watch:QF: Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff, PegulaSF: Swiatek, GauffF: Swiatek
