The Biggest Things Top Stars Can Prove at 2015 Indian Wells

The start of Indian Wells signals the season's move into second gear. This must mean that the top stars will have points to prove ahead of the 2015 edition.

Serena Williams has made her much-anticipated return to the tournament, but what she hopes to prove is open to debate.

Rafael Nadal has endured a mixed start to the year but will be looking for back-to-back tournament wins for the first time since August 2013.

The following slides will analyse the talking points surrounding four of the top players from this year's tournament.

Serena Williams

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Ask a hundred people if Serena Williams has a point to prove this week, and you'll discover the definition of division.

A surge of support and appreciation greeted Williams prior to beating Monica Niculescu 7-5, 7-5 on her Indian Wells return.

According to BBC Sport, Williams said afterward, "I feel like I've already won this tournament."

This might be perceived as Williams taking the pressure off herself. Or it could be read as an honest expression of satisfaction at successfully returning to a tournament that had once been a source of discomfort.

Williams' 14-year absence is hardly cause to question her ability to win the tournament. If anything, it might just give her an extra reason to succeed.

It seems certain that there will be a point or two to prove. If nothing else, one of them will be that Indian Wells has missed out on the greatest player of her generation. Chances are she'll make her point.

Andy Murray

Kamran Jebreili/Associated Press

Very rarely is Andy Murray afforded a week off when it comes to assessing what he can prove.

In some ways this is because his potential, as highlighted in the first two sets of this year's Australian Open final, is always verging on being fulfilled.

Late last year he was proving that back surgery and issues of nationalism were subjects he could handle.

This year he has had to openly talk about his lack of concentration that almost certainly cost him his third Grand Slam.

If he has anything to prove at Indian Wells, it's the power of recovery. 

Murray has lost to Borna Coric and Gilles Simon since his defeat in Melbourne, but he responded by beating Donald Young and John Isner in the Davis Cup.

The Scot looked in jovial mood after Great Britain's success and will need to stay in that frame of mind when the going gets tough in California. Murray can no longer afford to crumble like Scottish shortbread.

Maria Sharapova

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Maria Sharapova is one of the most successful women to have competed at Indian Wells since the turn of the century.

The Russian has two final appearances in the last three years, with one title in 2013. This must make her the favourite, right?

Throw into the mix a player whom Sharapova hasn't yet encountered in California but happens to be world No. 1, and her odds increase.

On the other hand, Serena Williams' return to Indian Wells offers Sharapova another chance to get one over her greatest rival. It's about time she did; Peter Bodo described it as a "nonrivalry" for ESPN.com. 

Sharapova has had a solid start to the year, reaching two finals and lifting one title. She may have had another had she not pulled out of her Acapulco semi-final against Caroline Garcia.

Whatever way you look at it, Sharapova's biggest point to prove is that she can continue her success at this tournament, Williams or no Williams. 

Rafael Nadal

Associated Press

Rafael Nadal seems to be in a form of limbo. He's not quite the favourite but hardly in decline worthy of premature dismissal.

If his standard French Open win is to become reality this year, he could do with hitting some form beforehand. 

In the last two years, Nadal has reached at least two consecutive finals just before winning at Roland Garros.

There is still time for consistency to become his friend again. However, California would be a good place to start.

Even though Nadal normally hits form on clay, it is important that he proves he is still capable of challenging the strongest field. The highest-ranked player he faced during his recent win in Buenos Aires was only at No. 59.

He might not be the favourite, but having two final appearances at Indian Wells in the last four years, including one win, suggests it would be foolish to write him off.