5 things to look forward to at the Indian Wells Masters 2017

Nadal’s continued form

Nadal has been fitter than ever in the past few months, and ended a 3-year Major final drought

This season has seemed to many fans a replay of 2013, especially since the epic Australian Open 2017 final that saw old rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal take centrestage yet again.

And although Roger Federer came out on top and extended his own record to a mammoth 18 Majors, Nadal, who has long struggled with injuries, put his immense fitness on display this year.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner is perhaps in the form of his life, and appeared completely unfazed and unfatigued by a series of tough matches – including the five-set final against Federer. Perhaps in his favour, also, was the decision to bring former World No. 1 Carlos Moya onto his coaching squad; Moya’s presence appears to have bolstered Nadal’s confidence immensely.

After a tough 2016 season, one that saw Nadal miss both Wimbledon and the French Open, the Spaniard alluded heavily to burnout, and revealed that the season had been so mentally taxing that he had considered retiring at one point.

But the break appears to have done Nadal much good, especially in terms of motivation. The Australian Open final was his first Slam final in three years, and that confidence went into the ATP500 Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, with Nadal progressing to the finals before eventually being upset by big-serving American Sam Querrey.

Nadal is a three-time champion at Indian Wells, most recently winning the title in 2013 after defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the finals; he has won three titles of four finals here, losing to Novak Djokovic in 2011.

The fitness and form Nadal is currently putting on display is certainly something fans will want to see this year.