BNP Paribas Open: Five To Thrive

Photo via: BNP Paribas Open blog

We continue our "Five To Thrive" series this week by analyzing the upcoming ATP tennis tournament in Indian Wells, the BNP Paribas Open. 

Last year, Rafa Nadal defeated Juan Martin del Potro in a great 3 set final. With Stan Wawrinka playing his first tournament since his breakthrough victory at the Australian Open, and Roger Federer taking the title in Dubai last week, this year's tournament should bring a lot of drama and additional story lines. Let's take a look at 5 players who I think will make the most noise at one of the best Masters 1000 tournaments of the year:

5. Grigor Dimitrov - A player who used to only be known for his incredible similarities to Roger Federer is now making a name for himself. Dimitrov won a title last week in Acapulco by defeating Andy Murray and Kevin Andersen. Just 23 years old, Grigor also made a deep run in Australia, eventually losing to Nadal in the quarterfinals in 4 tight sets. I envision a quarterfinal run (at the very least) for him in Indian Wells.

4. Stan Wawrinka - The newest Grand Slam champion has surprisingly not played since his victory. That's okay though, as he probably needed the time of to rest and adjust to his new life. The world No. 3 has had a fair amount of success at IW, with a 13-6 singles record. Even though some argue that he may disappoint after such a huge victory, I don't think that's the case. I think Stan will continue to show why he now belongs with the elite, and I expect a semifinals appearance from him.

3. Roger Federer - Like Dimitrov, Federer won last week to increase the expectations of his 2014 season. As expected, he is the current record holder for most titles at this tournament, with 4. I do not expect him to win this tournament, but I do think he will give the tennis world more indication that 2013 was an aberration, and that he is poised for a big 2014.

2. Rafa Nadal - Rafa gave us all a scare at the Australian Open final when he hurt his back. With his history of injuries, at that moment it seemed like it was going to be one where he would be out for a while. Luckily, it wasn't serious, and he resumed to his winning ways in Brazil a few weeks ago. Although he's the defending champ, I don't see Rafa defending his title. I see him making the final, but I think he will eventually lose to...

1. Novak Djokovic - Novak hasn't won a title heading into IW for the first time in a while. That is very strange, considering that in years past he'd win either the Australian Open, the tournament in Dubai, or both. So going into Indian Wells without a title is a bit weird, but I expect that to change this week. The Djoker, when focused, is the most lethal tennis player on the planet, and I think it is time for him to really lock into 2014. My prediction: Nole will win the title and jumpstart his season after 2 mediocre showings.

Well, there you have it. These are my five to thrive this week at the BNP Paribas Open. Agree/disagree? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us @HTWDSports!