Who Will Win Indian Wells: Nadal vs. Federer Edition

The men’s singles draw is out for Indian Wells, the first Masters 1000 of the year. Boy, am I excited!

LOOK OUT FOR

Nadal vs. Berdych and Djokovic vs. Stepanek in the round of 16.
Federer (coached by Cahill) vs. Verdasco (coached by Cahill) in the quarters.
Andy Murray wilting before the third round—these brutal desert conditions aren't for the virally challenged.

I always hoped for Federer vs. Nadal a final. Or why not another go of Nadal vs. Verdasco? It’s going to be good no matter what.

Federer playing doubles with Yves Allegro, and Nadal playing doubles with Lopez —we’ll confirm on Thursday when the draw is out.

THE SEEDS

1.  Nadal
2.  Federer
3.  Djokovic
4.  Murray
5.  Davydenko (!)
6.  Del Potro
7.  Roddick
8.  Simon
9.  Monfils
10.  Verdasco
11.  Tsonga
12.  Ferrer
13.  Blake
14.  Nalbandian
15.  Robredo
16.  Wawrinka

The men’s game is so deep right now, I could have listed the top 30 seeds, or more, and still have some real contenders in the list.

THE STORY

Nadal’s quarter: If Rafa wasn’t such a bad-ass, I’d call his draw scary. He’s looking at Tursunov in round three and a tricky round of 16 against Berdych, Youzhny, or Nalbandian. The quarters might be easier for him—Safin, Monfils, and Del Potro are the top seeds. Also look out for wild cards John Isner and Taylor Dent (good to see you back, T.D.!)

Djokovic’s quarter: It’s like the Davis Cup special. The defending champ’s got three Argentines in his little section alone, and Tommy Haas, Rainer Schuettler, Radek Stepanek, Stan Wawrinka, David Ferrer, etc. etc. are lurking nearby.

Either Stepanek or Wawrinka could threaten Novak in the round of 16, or Sam Querrey could make a surprise push. Roddick’s waiting in the quarters, unless Kiefer, Fish, or Ferrer (again!?) score the minor upset.

Top half semi: Nadal vs. Djokovic or Stepanek vs. Berdych

Murray’s quarter: The top two seeds in this quarter are in doubt, physically (Murray’s virus) and mentally (Simon’s Davis Cup thrashing). That’s why I’m seeing Tsonga vs. Ancic and Cilic vs. Mathieu (yeah, really) in the round of 16.

Federer’s quarter: Karlovic in round three (ugh!), Gonzo or Blake in the round of 16 and Versdasco is an intriguing possibility in the quarters, as I don’t see Davydenko making good on his fifth seeding. What will Darren Cahill do if his two pupils meet?

Bottom half semi: Federer vs. Tsonga or Verdasco vs. Murray (just for kicks)

PREDICTIONS

I’m hoping: Federer vs. Nadal

I’m betting: Federer vs. Nadal

SPEAK UP!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Click here for the BNP Paribas Open Web site.