"Winner's going to be one of these three guys": Roger Federer backs this trio for potential Indian Wells success
ATP
Roger Federer has picked three players that he thinks could win this year's Indian Wells Open with two of them already into the third round and another attempting to plot his course on Saturday evening and there are no surprises.
Federer spoke to NBC while visiting the San Francisco Bay area to announce that the Chase Center would host the 2025 Laver Cup and was quizzed about Indian Wells. He also shared his sadness that Rafael Nadal had to withdraw with the Spaniard still not right to make his tennis return yet.
"Unfortunately, Rafa pulled out but I think Novak's the big favorite. Sinner hasn't lost I believe since the Australian Open. Alcaraz, I think he’s back playing as well and he’s the defending champion I believe so I think the winner's going to be one of those three guys," Federer said to NBC.
Holding the record for winning Indian Wells five times, he also spoke about his love for Tennis Paradise. "It's a wonderful event. The kids were already saying, 'Oh it's Indian Wells, we miss being there'. We used to always love going there as a family," he said.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
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- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
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- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
