BNP Paribas Open 2014 Analysis
2014 BNP Paribas Open, kick starting in March is going to be the 39th edition of men’s and 26th of women’s tournament. It is being classified as an event of ATP World Tour Masters 1000. Both, women’s and men’s games are going to be arranged at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on outdoors hard courts. The current players defending their titles will be Rafael Nadal in men’s singles, Maria Sharapova in women’s singles, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in women’s doubles and Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan in men’s doubles.
The odd makers have narrowed down the list of players who have the best shot at taking away the BNP Paribas title. Only seven players were chosen. Jaun Martin del Potro, though no doubt doesn’t lack in talent in anyway, has had health not cooperating with him for past two years. He will be coming to Indian Wells once again in an unfit condition. Stanislas Wawrinka is another favorite of the odd makers. He happens to be the only man currently surviving in the top ten list with a perfect year long record, including winning the 2014 Australian Open. His success story might just continue.
Tomas Berdych was doing really well, until he confronted Rafael Nadal last year in the semi finals. He has one BNP Paribas Open title to his credit, which he took away in 2005. He could just be making it to the semi finals and while at it, might even take away the title. Andy Murray, after his back surgery has been struggling with his form this year. So, fans are yet to find out if he is going to fix it this March or not. Roger Federer has kick started 2014 quite well, only recently beating Djokovic and Berdych and improving his record. With his current performance, fans can expect a good game at Indian Wells. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, currently number one, could be considered the heart favorite, however with his lingering injury, things are looking a little dark for the player this year. And last but not the least, there is Novak Djokovic, who started off 2014 at a slow pace. With Nadal currently suffering from injuries, this is perhaps, Djokovic’s chance to shine.
Indian Wells Masters’ Popularity
When the National 9/11 flags were put on display during the first week of the memorable 37th edition of the tournament, it made history by becoming one of the most successful events ever, with a record attendance of 370,406. Founded by Raymond Moore and Charlie Pasarell, Indian Wells Masters, also known as BNP Paribas Open, was first played in 1974. Over the years, the event has become one of the largest on both women’s as well as men’s tour, and has around 96 best professional players making it to the main draws. Titled as “Grand Slam of the West”, it has today become the most attended tournament of tennis apart from the four Majors.