Let’s dive into the Masters 1000 Series, the BNP Paribas Open happening in sunny California from 8 to 18 March.
Roger Federer is heading into this tournament full of confidence. At 36 years young, he’s proudly reclaimed the World’s Number One ranking. The absence of Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells and Miami opens a fantastic chance for Federer to extend his lead, especially before Nadal’s favourite clay court season kicks off. Federer remains unbeaten this year, clinching wins in Melbourne and Rotterdam, and is hungry to take home a record 6th Indian Wells title. But competition is fierce!
Novak Djokovic, who once dominated this title, is also chasing his 6th crown here, though it might be a tough challenge. On the downside, David Goffin and Stan Wawrinka will be missing due to injuries, while up-and-coming stars like Alex Zverev and Denis Shapovalov are eager to make their mark and point the future direction of the game. The top 32 seeds enjoy a first-round bye, making the tournament even more electrifying.
Champions from Previous Years
2017: Roger Federer
2016: Novak Djokovic
2015: Novak Djokovic
2014: Novak Djokovic
2013: Rafael Nadal
First Quarter – Key Players: Roger Federer (1), Dominic Thiem (5)
Roger Federer’s draw couldn’t be better this year. Early matches could see him up against Harrison and Krajinovic. The fourth round looks manageable with Fabio Fognini and Adrian Mannarino potential opponents. The quarterfinals might pit him against Dominic Thiem, who hasn’t found much form lately.
Thiem, known for his prowess on clay, recently won the Argentina Open but faced tough exits in subsequent events. His possible first-round match with Tsitsipas could be challenging, with the youthful Shapovalov also lurking. A probable quarterfinal opponent for Federer is the winner of a potential third-round clash between Berdych and Chung. Federer has had the upper hand lately in these matchups.
Predicted Player to Progress: Roger Federer
Second Quarter – Key Players: Grigor Dimitrov (3), Kevin Anderson (7)
Grigor Dimitrov struggles with form after losing to Federer in Rotterdam and a rough early exit in Dubai. He might face Fernando Verdasco and promising Russian Andrey Rublev before a possible fourth-round encounter. However, Roberto Bautista-Agut looks set to challenge Dimitrov with assured composure.
Bautista-Agut had an impressive run in Dubai and could face the fiery Kevin Anderson in the quarterfinals. Anderson, South Africa’s own, has shown great strength on American hardcourts, with a Flushing Meadows final appearance and other strong performances.
Predicted Player to Progress: Kevin Anderson
Third Quarter – Key Players: Alex Zverev (4), Jack Sock (8)
Alex Zverev, still young and gaining experience, had a rough start this season but faces opportunities to bounce back. He could face Joao Sousa and 2016 finalist Milos Raonic. Raonic might use this chance to return to top form.
Jack Sock has had disappointing results recently, though he once defeated Zverev at the ATP Finals. A likely quarterfinal clash could be between Lucas Pouille and Diego Schwartzmann, with Pouille coming off impressive recent wins.
Predicted Player to Progress: Lucas Pouille
Fourth Quarter – Key Players: Marin Cilic (2), Juan Martin Del Potro (6)
This quarter is full of excitement. Del Potro’s recent resurgence includes a notable win over Kevin Anderson. Top seed Novak Djokovic also features here, fresh from a brief break but determined to reclaim his form.
Djokovic starts against a qualifier and could meet Del Potro in the fourth round. Del Potro’s form might just edge out Djokovic’s current comeback. Marin Cilic had a fine battle with Gael Monfils and could face John Isner in the fourth round, with Cilic expected to prevail.
Predicted Player to Progress: Juan Martin Del Potro
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.net
