The Indian Wells draw was performed today.
Three-time champion (2007, 2009, 2013) Rafael Nadal returns to Indian Wells as the No. 5 seed with a 48-8 record in the desert. After a first round bye, Rafa will face either the winner of a match between Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Guido Pella.
If the draw holds to quarterfinals, we would have:
- Andy Murray vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
- Stan Wawrinka vs Dominic Thiem
- Marin Cilic vs Kei Nishikori
- Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic
Rafa’s potential route to the final:
- 1st round: Bye
- 2nd round: Guillermo Garcia-Lopez or Guido Pella
- 3rd round: Fernando Verdasco
- 4th round: Roger Federer
- Quarter-final: Novak Djokovic
- Semi-final: Kei Nishikori
- Final: Andy Murray
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
OMG ANDY IS OUT OF SINGLES
Yes, Margo. What a shock. Seeing most of the top guys were on the other side of the draw I was even thinking that they might as well give him the trophy now and be done with it. Wawrinka seemed to be his greatest , and possibly only , real threat.
But that’s tennis. The unexpected can occur where you least expect it.
Who will win that side now? Wawrinka? Berdych? Monfils? Isner? Thiem?
Or someone else we haven’t considered?
Well that’s why I am perplexed when the media and fans become disgruntled (some get twisted) about a draw. Mind you, of course some draws appear more difficult as this one does for Rafa. Everyone said Andy had an easy peasy draw, yet Andy is out already.
Yes, it’s a guessing game. I was also surprised by Tsonga’s exit. You never can tell who will get the boot next.
I just hope Rafa can bring home the trophy. He can beat them all.
RAFA ROCKS
Does any one know if that potential fourth round will be Tuesday or Wednesday?
Unlikely as Rafa plays his first match against Pella on Monday, March 13.
Let’s hope Rafa is fine. He complained about being sick during the week but is feeling much better. He did not specify the illness. (LA Times)
RAFA ROCKS
More likely on Wednesday, but I am not positive.
RAFA ROCKS
Some interesting doubles results, thus far: Thiem/Kohlschreiber beaten by the Zverev brothers; Wawrinka/Dmitrov beaten by Huey/Mirnyi.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans will challenge Marc and Feliciano Lopez.
RAFA ROCKS
Hi Beverley, funny enough I have just read that this precise minute. Yes his opponent was seeded 112 . Apparently Tomic’s performance was described as ” not his most effortful”. I hope Rafa doesn’t wear himself out ,as I have a feeling he will be doing the work for two out on the court. One thing for sure it’s going to be interesting viewing ,but I have a feeling it’s not going to be something Rafa will be repeating ( hopefully) . You never know Beverley Tomic might surprise us all and step up to the plate . Hi Susie, yep 5 o’clock I can deal with , I’m not usually interested much in the doubles but I am looking forward to Rafa/Tomic , Dimitrov/Wawrinka and Andy) Dan Evans .
Thanks Maria. We may be able to get some good sleep beforehand this time.
Rafa and Tomic are the last pair to play on Friday ,so here in the UK it’s works out that they will be on court 5am Saturday morning 😴😴
Great News it looks like the doubles are being televised ,can’t wait for tomorrow night. Happy to see that smiley umpire Mohamed Lahyani is back on the circuit, I wondered where he had got to . Good luck tomorrow Rafa (you may need it with Tomic)😕
Maria, he certainly needs good luck with Tomic who was defeated by Fratangelo(over 100 in the world rankings) in the very first round of the singles. I don’t know whether this kind of play will appear when he partners Rafa but if they are defeated in the early rounds it will give Rafa more rest time between his singles matches.
All I want to see is Rafa fresh and relaxed and playing his very best in the singles.