ATP Masters Indian Wells: For the first time since 2000 completely without Federer, Djokovic, Nadal
The big three of tennis are missing from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, which starts next week. This was last the case in 2000.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Oct 01, 2021, 12:02 pm
Alex Corretja is analyzing tennis matches for Eurosport these days, the Spaniard cuts an excellent figure. But does Corretja also know that Indian Wells will be looking for some kind of successor from October 7th? Then the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the still not quite normal 2021 season starts. And for the first time since 2000, neither Novak Djokovic , Roger Federer or Rafael Nada l will be at the start. The winner 21 years ago? Just Alex Corretja.
Much has changed since then, such as the fact that the endgame has only been played over two sets of wins for a long time. Corretja defeated Thomas Enqvist in 2000 in three rounds. A year later Roger Federer made his debut in the California wishes, the Swiss defeated Nicolas Kiefer in three sets. Then at least one of the Big Three gave the “fifth major” the honor, with resounding success: Federer and Djokovic each won five titles, Nadal three.
Del Potro and Thiem are also missing
In a few days it will be up to the now grown-up, formerly next generation, to write history (s). The last two titles went to Juan Martin del Potro in 2018, and Dominic Thiem a year later. These two will not be at the start in Indian Wells either. Which means that there will be a new winner face. Because Andy Murray , who can be counted among the Big Four with a clear conscience, has never been able to strike in Tennis Paradise (the probability that he will succeed in 2021 is low).
The last two 1000s on hard court were shared between Daniil Medvedev (Toronto) and Alexander Zverev (Cincinnati). According to the ideas at the US Open, these two have the best chances of winning the tournament in Indian Wells. Especially since Medvedev has a small chance of replacing Novak Djokovic as the world's first at the end of the year.