As the remaining players in the draw fight for a spot in the final, we preview and predict three must-see matches in the desert.
As with many matchups featuring Nadal these days, this one will pit recent memory vs. distant memory. If you look at the last meeting between these two, you have to favor Nishikori: He beat Nadal convincingly, 6-2, 6-4, last summer in Montreal, and was beating him almost as convincingly in their previous match, in the 2014 Madrid final, before he hurt his back and had to retire. In both cases, Nishikori was in near-total control from the baseline. But if you look back farther, from 2008 to early 2014, it was Nadal who was in near-total control: He dropped just one set in their first six matches. The slow courts at Indian Wells probably favor Nadal this time, but Nishikori’s flat pace and killer backhand may still give him the edge.
Winner: Nishikori
Once upon a time, in a tennis galaxy far, far away, Tsonga had a 5-2 record against Djokovic. Obviously, things have changed: That head to head now stands at 14-6 in favor of the Serb. Tsonga did turn back the clock two years ago in Toronto, when he rolled over an out-of-sorts Djokovic, 6-2, 6-2. And Jo, now ranked No. 9, has played well this week; not many people picked him to beat Dominic Thiem at all, let alone 6-3, 6-2. But Djokovic had his eyes opened by a poor start in his first match against Bjorn Fratangelo, and hasn’t dropped a set since. On these courts, Tsonga will have to walk a thin red line for two sets to win.
Winner: Djokovic
If you believe the WTA’s computer, this is the best matchup the women’s tour can offer at the moment: Serena is ranked No. 1 in the world; Radwanska, as of this coming Monday, will be No. 2. Aga deserves that spot; she’s had a very good last seven months. But in another way, her elevation shows again how far everyone else is from Serena: Radwanska has managed to win just one set in their nine previous meetings. Serena pulled out of Indian Wells at this stage last year. She doesn't want to leave this tournament without the winner's trophy again.
Winner: Williams