The 2013 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is upon us and the men’s draw has a host of players in with a chance of making the finals stages this year.
Although the usual elite will dominate the online sports betting headlines, plenty of competitors within the top 10 are eyeing up a challenge for a title that often throws up unexpected finalists.
The top three – Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer – should all expect to make the quarters at least in this mandatory ATP event, while fourth-seed David Ferrer needs a title under his belt this spring.
Still in comeback mode after a seven-month absence, fans in the tennis betting world can drop Rafael Nadal from the running for Indian Wells success.
Players who you should be looking out for are those who have found form on the hard courts early this season. Czech Tomas Berdych has reached the final of his last two events (Dubai and Marseille on hard) and is set to challenge for a semis berth this March.
An expected fourth-round clash with world number 10 Richard Gasquet could prove a stumbling block, however, for the Frenchman is in good form himself after winning two hard-court titles already this year.
Juan Martin del Potro could cause a surprise in the top half of the draw as the seventh-seed aims to continue his good form and has a route to the quarters before meeting Murray, while Janko Tipsarevic will fancy his chances against Nadal in an expected fourth-round tie.
Although the title will most probably fall into Djokovic or Murray’s hands this year, there are chances for fans in the betting world to make a profit from the finals stages onwards.
This Indian Wells meet promises to throw up a few surprises, but with a handful of players hitting their stride early on the hard surface that’s who fans should target for success.