Rafael Nadal Strives for Back-to-Back Masters Titles

With one Masters title already in his grasp this season, it appears Rafael Nadal is not done just yet.

Just three days after capturing the BNP Paribas Open title in Indian Wells, the Spaniard is at it again as he sets his sights on the Sony Ericsson Open in Florida.

The event features a field of 96 players—making it one of the biggest events on the tour outside the four grand slams, and with defending champion Nikolay Davydenko unable to compete due to injury, a new champion is guaranteed.

So is a Nadal victory a forgone conclusion?

You can be sure Roger Federer will have something to say about that, as the world number two looks to win his first title of 2009—and in the process silence some of his critics.

The draw has worked out nicely for Federer, who shouldn’t face too many problems on his way to the quarterfinals. An encounter with Andy Roddick seems the most likely scenario here, which would present us with a rematch from last year’s quarterfinal, in which the American ended an 11 match losing streak against Federer. A win here would certainly shut up the doubters, and give him some much needed momentum.

Should Roddick be considered a threat? Some have their doubts about the lack of variety to his game, but his serve is big enough to trouble anyone on tour. A quarterfinal against Federer looks a daunting task for the American, and a repeat performance from last year may be required.

And what about Andy Murray? The British number one was so impressive en route to the final at Indian Wells, only to be blown away, quite literally, by Nadal in the final. The draw hasn’t been kind to Murray—he could meet Mardy Fish as early as the third round, before meeting the always tough David Nalbandian in the fourth round.

Come through that, and Murray could meet the sensation of the Australian Open, Fernando Verdasco, or hard-court specialist Radek Stepenek in the quarterfinals. Murray will need to be at his very best to progress.

Novak Djokovic is a player who will be looking to find some form. The Serb is seemingly a victim of his own early success at the moment, and a good showing in Florida would go some way towards repairing what has been a disappointing start to 2009. He could meet the powerful Jo Wilfred Tsonga in the quarterfinals—a player who has troubled Djokovic in recent meetings.

The aforementioned Radek Stepenek could also spring a surprise. Indeed, the Czech is showing some strong form, and with one trophy to his name already this year, the hardcourt specialist could well ruffle a few feathers in Florida.

Overall though, it’s hard to look past Nadal. The world number one is in imperious form as things stand, and is simply brimming with confidence. Quite simply, it's hard to see anyone stopping the Spaniard.