Indian Wells Women's Preview

With the Williams sisters steering clear of Indian Wells, it’s all Serbs and Russians (minus budding doubles specialist Maria Sharapova) heading up the singles draw. Something tells me Safina, Jelena, et. al. are very supportive of the Williams sisters’ boycott.

THE SEEDINGS

1. Safina, 2. Jankovic, 3. Dementieva, 4. Zvonareva, 5. Ivanovic (defending champ), 6. Kuznetsova, 7. Radwanska, 8. Azarenka, 9. Wozniacki, 10. Bartoli

THE STORY

Top half: Safina heads the top of the draw, which is probably the softer half. If the seedings hold, she’ll get the feisty Azarenka in the quarters and the winner of Kuznetsova vs. Zvonareva in the semis. Mauresmo, Bartoli, and Chakvetdatze
are the other threats in this half.

Bottom half: It’s a bitch for defending champ Ivanovic, who is still struggling to find her top form and something that passes as a first serve. She’s seeded to face clay-toughened veterans Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta in rounds two and three, respectively, and then Dementieva in the round of 16. Dementieva has a 4-0 record against the Serb.

If the seeds hold, the winner of Ivanovic vs. Dementieva will face the winner of Jankovic vs. Radwanska in the semis, but Alize Cornet, Dominika Cibulkova, or even up-and-comer Alisa Kleybanova are in good position to score an upset.

PREDICTIONS

I’m hoping for a replay of the Paris Open’s Mauresmo vs. Dementieva final.

I’m thinking Dementieva vs. Azarenka.

WHAT SAY YOU?

The men’s draw will be determined later today. Main draw play begins on Wednesday for the women and Thursday for the men. A poll is listed on this page for you to weigh in.

Click here to visit the BNP Paribas Open Web site.