Indian Wells and the Miami Open, the two first masters 1000 of the year, are highly anticipated every season. In 2023, they will respectively take place from March 8 to 19 and from March 22 to April 2. The players have different strategies to prepare for these two big events. Some of them have been playing on hard courts since the beginning of the season, others chose to play a few tournaments on clay.
Both events are played outdoors, and they have harsh conditions. Players are rarely spared by the wind of the Californian desert and the heat of Florida. As in each season, the best players of the word hope to lift these prestigious trophies. This year won’t be the exception; the points at stake could be decisive.
The contenders for the titles are numerous, the uncertainties multiples. Runner-up last year in Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal may be absent this year. Since his hip injury that occurred in the second round of the Australian Open, he hasn’t played a match on the ATP Tour. His long-time rival, Novak Djokovic, won’t be there either. Covid-19 restrictions prohibit him to enter the United States. The absence of those these two champions is a golden opportunity for the other players.
As he’s been back for two weeks on the tour, Carlos Alcaraz is one of the main contenders for the titles. He won the Buenos Aires open last week and he will play the final in Rio tonight [Sunday 26 February]. After having lost the number one spot in the world to Novak Djokovic, his determination should be at a high level. The young player will try to show that he deserved his rankings. Beyond the message, numbers count. As he was defeated by Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of Indian Wells (4/6 6/4 3/6) and he was victorious in Miami, he needs to defend 1 360 points in two weeks. They will be precious for his quest for the first spot of the rankings.
After a disappointing 2022 season and an early elimination in the fourth round of the Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev found his way back to victory. In two weeks, he won as many titles : in Rotterdam and in Doha. Currently 8th in the world, the two American weeks are an opportunity to reach his former status. As he was eliminated in the third round of Indian Wells and in the quarterfinals in Miami last year, the Russian player has small points to defend – but big ones to win. The potential 1 775 points at stake would allow him the re-enter the top 5.
Numerous other players also hope to win one of these trophies. Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz are in the same position. One lost the Miami final; the other lifted the trophy in Indian Wells. After disappointing results in the Australian Open, the two tournaments will be important for their rankings. Currently 12th in the world, Jannik Sinner hopes to clinch a first master 1 000. Such a win would allow him to re-enter the top 10 ; and it would reward a great start of the season. Despite his shoulder injury, Stefanos Tsitsipas remains one of the main contenders for the title.
The two players who shouldn’t underestimate this opportunity are Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem. The latter are trying to reach their former level of tennis after severe injuries. The 2019 Indian Wells champion will have a wild card. To win a few rounds would allow him to gain points and confidence. As for the German player, the goal is to play as many matches as possible to recover his sensations; to remain in the top 20 would be a nice bonus.
The possibilities are endless during these two weeks under the American sunshine. Will a new player engrave his name on these prestigious trophies? Will Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud defend their titles? Will the Sunshine Double feat be achieved in 2023?
Marnie Abbou