California Dream'n?

The first 1000 event of the season is here. Almost everyone is playing (sans the Williams sisters and Delpo) but why does it feel like a fall 1000 event rather than a spring event? Too many players are hurt, the top players speak about developing and finding their games, no one is talking about winning.

It’s not like this is New Haven leading into the US Open, this is the first of five (almost consecutive) 1000 events, with the French Open looming way, way off in the distance.

Maybe it’s just me, but the players seem to be dreaming about everything other than winning Indian Wells. Federer is focused on his prospects for a Calendar year slam, and the way he plays majors is anyone betting against it? But, how motivated is he for a 1000. Nadal is talking about finding his form in time for the clay court season, Murray doesn’t seem to be talking to anyone, Davydenko is hurt, Del Potro is out, apparently still nursing that wrist injury and Cilic is already out, after a weird loss to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Only the recent play of Djokovic has given any clues as to the possible outcome at Indian Wells, and even Novak had a strange rollercoaster opener against Mardy Fish.

Without a whole heck of a lot to go on, this feels like a Murray – Djokovic year with Djokovic likely prevailing. You gotta like Nole and Muzz in the 500 or 1000 series events. I’m not ready to pick either in a Slam, but they revel in the next tier and have better records than anybody else at this level.

For the Women…same thing. Damn I wish Venus were here! Based on her form lately she would be the one too beat. But of course, the Williams Sister’s don’t play IW. You can say what you want about them, but they are resolute in their stance on this event. And, when the Williams sisters aren’t in an event, it’s just hard to care about the outcome. Particularly when Henin loses on day one; she was going to be my pick, now I guess I’ll go with Clijsters because quite frankly, there is just no other legitimate threat. A likely final against Dementieva should salvage the Women’s event but Kim should pick up her second trophy of 2010, and perhaps playing without pressure and playing on her terms alone, Kim is in for a very groovy year.

Yes Indian wells is likely a ‘find out where we are in 2010’ kind of event, there has been no build up and we might end up with a couple of first timers when all is said and done. Maybe Azarenka and Wozniaki will battle for the title. Not great for TV, but it just feels like that kind of event.

Projected Winners:

ATP
Djokovic defeats Murray

WTA
Clijsters defeats Dementieva