The 2024
Indian Wells Open takes place between March 6-17 as the action returns to Tennis Paradise for another year with two big returnees involved in California. Those being
Novak Djokovic and
Rafael Nadal.
Our
preview takes you through the main talking points ahead of Indian Wells also known as BNP Paribas Open starting as the battle for the so-called fifth Grand Slam begins.
Djokovic and Nadal lead returnees
For a myriad of reasons, both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal haven't played this ATP 1000 for a number of years. Djokovic hasn't played it in five years since 2019 with the World Number One mainly not being able to enter the US due to his COVID vaccine stance. This changed last year with the Serbian able to play the US Open.
But three of the tournaments he couldn't play in are set to be ticked off in Canadian Open later this year, the Miami and Indian Wells Open both in the coming weeks. He had a duck before that though in California not going past the fourth round since he won it last in 2016. He will hope to put that right as well in Miami with a similar poor record since a dominant spell.
Nadal will return for the first time since 2022 when he reached the final. He hasn't played though in 2/6 of the last six editions though being a three-time champion. It will likely be his swansong at Indian Wells with retirement not confirmed, but seemingly imminent for the Spaniard and with his potential to end his career at the Olympics. This could feasibly be his last hard court tournament. He starts off in a difficult way though with Milos Raonic then Tommy Paul. After not playing since Brisbane, it doesn't get easy for him.
Sublime Sinner aims to keep momentum and Alcaraz at bay
The form player though in ATP has to be Jannik Sinner. The Australian Open champion has only played two tournaments in 2024, but he remains unbeaten after winning Rotterdam also. He will come in likely as the favourite aside from Novak Djokovic.
He also could be playing second fiddle very soon with
Carlos Alcaraz defending his title from 12 months ago. He defeated
Daniil Medvedev in a superb final. But the Spaniard has not won a title since Wimbledon and recently got injured during the South American swing. Not ideal preparation and one that gives Sinner the edge.
Like alluded to, Daniil Medvedev will headline the supporting cast of sorts with Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev among others also involved. As ever with the ATP, there are a few standout stars, but also the potential for upsets meaning that if Djokovic struggles and so does Alcaraz, it could lead to a potential big chance awaiting. Food for thought certainly.
