#1 Novak Djokovic
Talk about a tough draw. Novak Djokovic is looking at serious players EVERY ROUND. Even though he has an outstanding record against these players it will be a tough stretch. Let's take the hit-men that will be gunning for him. Marcos Baghdatis should be waiting for him in the 2nd round. Bags is a solid player and has to be looking forward at the challenge as he is 0-6 vs Djoko. That cannot be sitting well with him. The 3rd round, his countryman Troicki should be waiting for him. Djoko has a 10-1 head-to-head against Triocki. He should get out of here fine but he cannot overlook the top 30 player. In the round of 16, Djoko faces "The Backhand", Richard Gasquet. Djoko has a head-to-head of 5-1 and should get through here as it's a good match-up backhand to backhand. Joker's forehand should dictate in this match. After seeing this murderer's row, Del Potro potentially will face Nole in the quarters. I cannot see Djokovic beating Del Potro here. Juan Martin is looking like a top 5 player who just beat Djoker in Davis Cup last year and Nole will be worn down from his previous meetings. If he somehow is able to beat Del Potro here, he will most likely face Federer in the semi and Nadal in the final. Tough task, darn nearly impossible!
#2 Rafa Nadal
Rafa is coming of Indian Wells somewhat rattled. He looked out of sorts against Federer and was pushed by David Nalbandian in the quarters. His determination alone should grant him a place in the semis but will be tested before then. His biggest test include a potential match-up in the quarters versus Jo-Willie Tsonga who is looking to regain some of his early year form. From there he is looking at Andy Murray who should be chomping at the bit to do better after another horrid Indian Wells tourney. Rafa should get out of his bottom side of the draw and face the top heavy survivor.
#3 Roger Federer
The hottest player on the tour this year is looking to take yet another Miami title, his 3rd. Roger comes of Indian Wells winning his 19th 1000 Master event title putting him with Rafael Nadal for most in history. Miami has been cruel to him at times but he is looking too sharp for an early exit this year. Fed will potentially face two Americans right of the gate. Young Ryan Harrison in the 2nd round and Roddick in the 3rd. Harrison is young and exiting but a savvy veteran like Fed should move through him easily. Andy Roddick has proved to be a formidable opponent but it has been a couple of years since Andy has been at his best. Monfils should be waiting for Roger in the round of 16. Fed has dominated that match-up 6-1 and should move comfortably to potentially face Almagro in the quarters. Rog hasn't faced Nicolas since 2007 when Nico was a completely different player. Even though he is much improved, Nico is no match on a hard court vs. Fed. I see Fed moving through his side of the draw rather easily into a possible match-up against Del Potro. Poor Juan Martin must be feeling as he were in the Twilight Zone. This could be the 4th time they have faced each other this year and Juan Martin is just on the opposite side of the score board every time, with each one becoming more and more lopsided. Expect a Fed-Rafa final, with Federer relieving the monkey of his back against Nadal.
#4 Andy Murray
Andy needs a spark. Hopefully Ivan Lendl being in his box will give him just that. Murray has lost in his first match at Indian Wells for the 3rd straight year. Murray's tourney might finish early with a hot Raonic waiting for him in the 3rd round. Even though Murray's return game is one of the best in the world, Raonic's serve is better. Not only that, but he has had a solid, consistent year. Murray is coming of a head scratching loss as he was taken to the wood shed by Garcia-Lopez in Indian Wells. If he were to move on, another big boy in Thomas Berdych will potentially be waiting for him in his quarter with Rafa in the semis. Lendl or not, Andy's tournament will not end up with him raising the trophy.
The ATP Tour just seems to get more and more intriguing. It should be a great 12 days days in Miami with the spring hard court season winding down and the clay season starting up. Expect Roger to get a bit closer to Rafa and Djoko in the rankings. HyperSmash
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