Analysing Form of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, More Before Miami Masters 2015

With the Miami Masters once again upon us, it's time to look at how the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have fared since the Australian Open and what we can expect from them in Florida.

We'll also look at who might challenge the world No. 1 and No. 3 in Roger Federer's absence.

Novak Djokovic 

Djokovic comes into Miami in great form, having beaten Federer to win the BNP Paribas Open (see highlights below) and avenge his February defeat to the Swiss maestro in Dubai.

Djokovic won 77 percent of the points on his first serve, per BNPParibasOpen.com, including 17 points out of 17 in the first set. The Serbian's clinical serve was instrumental in helping him save eight of the 10 break points he faced.

As noted by Josh Meiseles of ATPWorldTour.com, Djokovic also had an answer to Federer's usually effective serve-and-volley tactic, attacking the 33-year-old's serve with depth and remarkable precision.

Tennis broadcaster David Law was full of praise for Djokovic:

The 27-year-old also wowed the audience with a delightful bit of skill:

As noted by tennis writer Chris Skelton, Djokovic continues to impress with his phenomenal record against the Big Four in matches in which he wins the first set.

The Djoker is at the peak of his powers right now, and there's a strong chance he'll be victorious for a fifth time in Miami. Expect the world No. 1 to mount a serious challenge in every tournament in which he competes this year.

Rafael Nadal

After a 2014 season hit by illness and injury, Nadal has shown steady improvement in 2015.

Following his shock opening-round defeat to Michael Berrer in Qatar, the Spaniard reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and the BNP Paribas Open and the semi-final in Rio de Janeiro. He also won the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.

The 28-year-old's trademark forehand was back to its brilliant best in his Indian Wells match with Milos Raonic:

Nadal's serve has also seen a marked improvement since his exit from the Australian Open. In Melbourne, he won 75 percent of points on his first serve and 59 percent on his second and made 19 double faults, per AusOpen.com.

Contrast this with Nadal's figures of 81 percent and 64 percent with just one double fault in the match against Raonic, and we can see the world No. 3 returning to both form and fitness.

Nadal himself feels like he's making great progress.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Per ATP World Tour, he said, "In general, I played aggressive. I played with determination, with the right attitude, playing good tennis. I think every week I am better. Every week I am more competitive. Every week I feel stronger, quicker on court again. My movements are good again."

This stands him in good stead for Miami, where he has finished as runner-up three times.

As tennis writer Juan Vallejo points out, Nadal has an excellent record in ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments:

Miami will be another key stepping stone for Nadal in his return to his best, but with Djokovic in such great form, it's hard to look beyond the Serbian triumphing should the two meet.

Likely Contenders

World No. 4 Andy Murray will be looking to bounce back after his semi-final exit at Indian Wells, where he was utterly destroyed by Djokovic:

Sky Sports pundits Peter Fleming and Barry Cowan believe Murray needs to adapt his game when facing Djokovic by emulating the same net-domination tactic that has been so effective for Federer over the years.

Whether he'll have time to work on this new tactic before potentially meeting the Djoker again in Miami is questionable, but as he has triumphed twice before at Crandon Park, expect a solid showing from the fiery Scot here.

Raonic's rise to prominence has continued this year, and the giant Canadian is fresh from defeating Nadal in the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

The world No. 6 saved three match points in his clash with the Spaniard, and his huge serve will continue to serve him well as he challenges in Grand Slams for years to come.

One of the hottest prospects in men's tennis, Raonic will be a threat to any player he faces in Miami.

Djokovic's form makes him the likely candidate to reign supreme in Miami, while Nadal is improving all the time.

The Spaniard may well go one step further than he did at Indian Wells and get to the semi-final, but winning a tournament of this calibre is still a little beyond him, particularly with the likes of Raonic hot on his heels.