Indian Wells Tennis Finals: Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer Preview, Prediction

Another final, another matchup between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Some things just never get old. 

Djokovic, the top-ranked player in the world and Federer, No. 2, survived the Indian Wells semifinals without many issues. Djokovic smoked Andy Murray, 6-2, 6-2, while things were a bit more interesting for Federer, who beat Milos Raonic, 7-5, 6-4.

Not only will this clash of titans be a rematch of last year's tournament final—Djokovic beat Federer in three sets—it will also be the 38th time these superstars have met. Federer is 20-17 in the rivalry, and the pair have alternated wins in their last eight contests. Federer holds a 15-14 advantage on hard courts. 

Federer is also pretty hot at the moment, as he's now won 19 straight sets and has gone 11-1 this season, winning the Brisbane and Dubai tournaments. Djokovic knows he has a fight on his hands, as he told Howard Bryant of ESPN:

"

It's probably the ultimate final I have, probably the player in the best form. You know, the last 12 months he's been playing some of his best tennis, I thought. We all know that Roger, with all his records, we all know the experience that he has. He's not expected to play nothing less than his best in these stages of the tournament. He won so many titles. He loves the big occasions, and I'm sure he's going to come out aggressive, wanting to win.

"

And boy, he still looks like he's in his prime at times out there, doesn't he? David Law of BBC 5 Live remains incredibly impressed with his fitness level:

Of course, Djokovic isn't chopped liver. He's 13-2 this season, won the Australian Open and is coming off of a 2014 that saw him go 61-8, win Wimbledon and reach the French Open final. Reaching three of the last four Grand Slam finals and winning two of them is nothing to sneeze at.

Maybe there's something to be said for Federer winning the last match between the pair. Maybe there's something to be said for Djokovic playing incredibly well this year and sitting atop the world rankings. Maybe, when trying to differentiate between these players and pick a favorite, you find yourself grasping at straws.

That's where I find myself trying to pick between these players. I think Djokovic is the more talented player at this point and generally feel he should win every match he plays in outside of the French Open final with Rafael Nadal across the net, so I'll pick Djokovic to win this one in a tight three sets. 

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

But will I be surprised if Federer wins? No, of course not. Outside of his disappointing showing at the Australian Open, he's been awesome this year. Federer isn't going to have many of these finals left, you'd imagine, so he'll want to make them count. Of course, it feels like we've been predicting the end for him for years and he just keeps defying expectations. 

So yes, he very well might defy my Djokovic prediction to win the Indian Wells final. If he does, like anyone else who has watched his amazing run of dominance over the tennis world, I will simply tip my cap to Mr. Federer.

Once again.