The BNP Paribas Open draw is out, and top seed Rafael Nadal has a bye in the first round. He is set to defend his title with a second round match over the winner of the match between Radek Stepanek and Denis Istomin.
Fabio Fognini is the highest seed Nadal could face before the QFs, but there is a possibility of a Nadal-Murray quarterfinal. Rafa could potentially play a semifinal with Stanislas Wawrinka or Roger Federer. In Novak Djokovic’s half are Tomas Berdych, Juan Martin del Potro, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Top half projected R16s: Nadal-Fognini, Raonic-Murray, Wawrinka-Youzhny, Haas-Federer.
Projected bottom half R16s: Gasquet-Isner, Dimitrov-Berdych, del Potro-Tsonga, Robredo-Djokovic.
Rafa won Indian Wells last year, therefore he is defending 1000 points at this Masters event. Vamos Rafa! We have full confidence that you will take this title!
More to follow…
(via @Ben Rothenberg)
Rafa has a tough draw. The cards are always stacked against him. But he goes above and beyond the odds. Good things happen to good people.
Please tell me when the Indian Wells tennis competition will start.
+It always a tough draw for Rafa. It seems his half is always loaded – remember Austrailia? Take it match for match and ALWAYS stay in the moment during play. Love you, and wish you health of Body and Mind. Love, Marylynn.
I just don’t think Robredo can win Cilic to be in R16. Cilic is ready to give Novak hard time in R16. This tournament will be exciting. Thumbs up for Rafa to raise the trophy.
I’m looking forward to watching some great tennis in Indian Wells and seeing Rafa take home the champions trophy again! Vamos!
A much as I am a Rafa fan – this is a very tough task – especially considering the pressure put on his body. Hope his stars are good. Wish you every success and really really hope you win.
Hello, I have tickets for the bnppo and I was wondering how can we found out when rafa is playing? His name isn’t listed on the site. -Thanks