ATP World Tour writes today that Nadal’s road to the title in Indian Wells look complicated. They’re right. He needs to get through Murray, Federer and Djokovic to win the title and with his absence from the hard courts since his injury in the Australian Open final, there should rightly be doubts about his ability to get through such a field on his least preferred surface.
I doubt that even the competitive monster of Rafael Nadal can do it. Miami with its slower surface is better suited for Nadal and I think both Federer and Djokovic with their recent good form are more probable favorites. Especially Federer who seems to be on a roll, following wins over both Berdych and Djokovic at Dubai. Murray is a tough pick for me, because he hasn’t impressed since he won Wimbledon last year and seems to be back playing too passively from the back of the court.
So…Federer or Djokovic? Or…even a dark horse like hot shot super talent Dimitrov? Berdych should be in the mix as well. Some might even want to throw recent winner (Marseille) in Gulbis into the ring, but I think he’s still too weak mentally to sustain his winning over longer periods.
My gut tells me Djokovic will take the title, but my heart is with Federer.
Who’s your favorite? Check out the draw on the Indian Wells official homepage
