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3/12/10 2:02 AM | James Munoz
Fresh off leading their countries to first round Davis Cup victories, both Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic travelled the Atlantic Ocean for their next challenge
The great weather and atmosphere has always seemed to suit Novak Djokovic. The world’s #2 and 2008 Indian Wells champion has an impressive 14-3 record in Indian Wells. The courts are slow enough here that Novak can take advantage of his all court game and try to return to the finals for the 3rd time in the last 4 years. The conditions also suit the world No. 8, Marin Cilic. Whether they are able to step up and survive a quarter with Gilles Simon, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Ivan Ljubicic after their emotional Davis Cup triumphs is the real question.
Last year many players that competed in Davis Cup were noticeably out of form early in the tournament. Gilles Simon was one of many competitors in last years Davis Cup tie, who underperformed in Indian Wells and fell early. This year Djokovic was very happy with the home tie against the US Davis Cup team, but he was quick to point out the schedule of the tie and surface are not ideal during the early hard court season. Djokovic’s success in the past here and history of playing so many matches has him feeling confident nonetheless.
Novak has a great record against many of the competitors in this quarter and likes his chances with such a quarter, but like all great players, he is unwilling to look past any of them. With a bye in the first round, Novak is due to play the winner of the Mardy Fish-Michael Berrer match. Novak overcame a rejuvenated Fish in the 2008 final and will look to repeat his success against Fish should they meet in the second round this year. Other potential early round matchups include Philipp Kohlscreiber, Ivan Ljubicic and Giller Simon.
Regardless of opponent, Novak is in great shape and the right frame of mind to repeat his North American hard court success. This is extremely important for a player to be both mentally and physically tough, especially after such an emotional victory in last weekend’s Davis Cup tie against the United States. Djokovic won both of his singles matches on clay, but the jetlag and switching surfaces could play a role in Djokovic’s form early in the tournament.
Another player who is a favorite in this quarter, but also potentially an upset victim due to an emotional Davis Cup tie is Marin Cilic. The hard hitting Croat is 18-2 on the year and looking to further his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in this event. Cilic has an excellent opportunity to make the 4th round or better here. The slower surface of Indian Wells will give him more time to pick on opponents service games and work on his own. Cilic has all the tools to succeed and with a higher seeding this year, he will be able to avoid some of the big names early in the event.
Other contendors:
Gilles Simon looks poised to face Ivan Ljubicic again in Indian Wells (Ljubicic won 6-3, 7-6 (3) last year). Both players are coming off solid years and look to take advantage of a favorable draw. Having skipped Davis Cup this year, Gilles looks forward to the Indian Wells event as he has given himself more time to prepare. Gilles said “the draw is normal, I just have to play my game”. If Gilles suffers a little flatness again though, Ivan Ljubicic and others will be quick to take advantage of the situation.
Predictions:
4th Round: Djokovic over Simon and Cilic over Monaco
Quarterfinals: Djokovic over Cilic
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Simon looked good in practice today, plus he avoided Davis Cup action. Last year far too many Davis Cup competitors struggled in IW.
akesher , 3/12/10 5:32 AM
i fear that Nole may suffer the same fate this year.
The sudden change of surface, climate change (from -1C to +30s) and the fact he played in Dubai, followed by DC.
However I do treasure and admire the fact that he so strongly and passionately feels about DC, even to the detriment of his tournament schedulling and possible progress in Masters events. I hope for the best, but a QF will be good, anything else is a bonus for him.
bianca , 3/12/10 8:40 AM
bianca, I had exactly the same thought before the draw was realised. Now I think he can pull this out. Very good draw for him. But, he desperately needs his first serve back. If he manages to do that it will be the key to success at Indian Wells. Shorter points is what he needs most. And to pass 2nd and 3rd round (at least ;)) without using too much energy...And then everything will be just fine, I think. Ajde, Noleee! :)
OllyK , 3/12/10 11:39 AM
Saw over on ATP that Cilic is increasingly going to one of my faves Goran Ivanisevic as a coach/mentor. One would hope that Ivan-ACE-vic wouldn't teach him about getting the good Marin, the bad Marin and the crazy Marin together, but who knows?
But if he does teach Cilic that sledgehammer ax-swing serve of his -- the best I've ever seen -- say goodnight, people.
SenorPlaid , 3/12/10 4:19 PM
SP - Cilic is not increasingly going with Goran. Only 2 tournaments in the next 3 months.
Bob Brett is still his guy.
RickyDimon , 3/12/10 5:04 PM
I like Cilic and his game. He has the composure of Fed, and moves very gracefully and fast for his height. When he was younger, he used to bash the ball hard but now as he and his game mature, he is no longer the ball basher. I see he can also come to the net and volleys well. He has also improved on his mental strength, as evident in those tight five set matches that he came through even though when he was not playing well (eg that AO match against Tomic, knowing very well that he could not afford to lose that match and faced with all sorts of embarrassment afterward. He fought hard and hang in tough, playing against not just Tomic but also against almost the whole of Rod Laver Arena. I was so happy that he came through that match, and I liked him more after that match.)
luckystar , 3/12/10 6:41 PM
I stand corrected regarding the coaching. ATP made it sound like he was going more with Goran as coach, but it's really only as a replacement for Brett, but really, what's the difference? Brett was Ivanisevic's coach, Goran brought Cilic to Brett, so it's all a family ...
I still stand by the if-Cilic-learns-the-Ivanisevic-serve comment, however.
SenorPlaid , 3/12/10 7:31 PM
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as much as i would love to see somon and djokobiv play each other (how can i choose between two faves?!) i dont see simon reachin that far. i dont think he's fully recovered after his knee injury :(
mriiidula , 3/12/10 4:16 AM