The 2009 BNP Paribas Open officially begins on Wednesday in beautiful Indian Wells, California.
One hundred twenty-eight of the world’s best players have traveled to the desert in pursuit of $4,500,000 million dollars in prize money.
Because of the absence of world number one Serena Williams, Russia’s best player Dinara Safina will hold the top honors as the number one seed, followed by Jelena Jankovic, Elena Dementieva, Vera Zvonareva and Ana Ivanovic. The top thirty-two seeds have each received a bye for the first round.
Former Indian Wells champion Maria Sharapova is competing at the tournament, although only in the doubles event with her countrywoman Elena Vesnina. World number nine Nadia Petrova has withdrawn because of a continuing right foot injury.
Top Quarter
Arriving at a major tournament as the top seed is a new feeling for Dinara Safina, but the young Russian is ready for the challenge. The two toughest competitors on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Venus and Serena Williams, are traditionally absent from the tournament, leaving Safina as one of the main favorites for the women’s trophy.
Safina started the year off strong with a finalist finish at the Australian Open, yet has only contested one match since in Dubai, where she lost to Virginie Razzano in the second round. She has a good draw in Indian Wells, although Jelena Dokic could give her trouble in the third round. Dokic nearly beat her in three sets at Melbourne.
Second Quarter
The second quarter of the draw is full of unpredictable floaters. Amelie Mauresmo recently won her first title in two years in February, but it remains to be seen if she can continue the momentum and recapture the form that led her to the No. 1 ranking and two Grand Slam titles. Caroline Wozniacki is knocking on the door of the Top 10 and has a solid enough game to walk away with a surprise title.
Russia’s Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova are the highest seeds in the quarter, yet can hardly be called the most consistent players in the draw. Either one of them is capable of reaching the semifinals after a good week—but they are also no strangers to early round upsets.
Third Quarter
Thanks to the absence of the Williams sisters, Bethanie Mattek-Sands is the highest ranked American in the women’s draw. The fashion aficionado is returning to competition for the first time since getting married and recovering from a hip injury. Mattek-Sands is slated to potentially meet fifth seed and defending champion Ana Ivanovic in the third round.
All eyes are focused on Ivanovic to see whether she can defend her first big title. Ana struggled during the second half of the 2008 season, and she must start building momentum before heading into her Roland Garros title defense. A repeat at Indian Wells will not be easy for the No. 2 Serbian, who has not won more than three matches in a row since October.
Bottom Quarter
Despite reaching the No. 1 ranking, Jankovic has yet to win one of the four Grand Slams or a big title at Indian Wells or Miami. The desert has never been kind to Jankovic, but this year, the wind might shift. She holds a mediocre 7-7 career record at Indian Wells and posted her best finish last season before losing to Ivanovic in the semifinals. The draw could again set her up for another final four meeting against her countrywoman, but this year the edge would go to Jankovic.
Other players to watch in the bottom quarter include Dominika Cibulkova, Alize Cornet and rising American player Melanie Oudin.
Aaress’ Picks for the 2009 BNP Paribas Open
Quarterfinals
Dinara Safina d. Victoria Azarenka
Caroline Wozniacki d. Amelie Mauresmo
Elena Dementieva d. Ana Ivanovic
Jelena Jankovic d. Alize Cornet
Semifinals
Dinara Safina d. Caroline Wozniacki
Elena Dementieva d. Jelena Jankovic
Championship Match
Dinara Safina d. Elena Dementieva
On the Baseline’s live coverage of the 2009 BNP Paribas Open is brought to you by Grand Slam Tennis Tours.
Good draw for young American Brendan Evans, but one the toughest for USA’s Kevin Kim vs. Gulbis.