Indian Wells Masters 2019
Depending on which tennis star your support, the 2019 iteration of the Indian Wells Masters has either been a blast or a total disaster. The events that happened during the tournament’s early days completely changed how the Indian Wells Masters 2019 odds look when compared to the pre-tournament odds.
There have been big names that saw themselves out of the competition before the big games were played. However, health issues are probably the biggest storyline in the tournament as a couple of important players saw themselves fall short due to viral issues.
I’m sure that this is not the way these superb athletes would have wanted their tournaments to pan out, but this only makes the entire affair exciting for those who are left standing. With the first-choice favourites in both the Men’s and Women’s Singles out, the game is wide open for the new winner.
However, there are still some familiar names who will look into this opportunity and steal the crown for themselves.
Osaka, Djokovic among shocking exits
It was hard not to pick Novak Djokovic as the man favoured to win the entire thing. He had a fantastic end to his 2018 season despite losing out in the ATP Finals, and he was also the man who started 2019 well by winning the Australian Open.
However, the entire Indian Wells Tennis Garden was brought to its knees when the Serbian was brought down by Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets (6-4, 6-4). The Serbian was understandably distracted by doubles play with Fabio Fognini, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he failed to break a single set.
Djokovic claimed that he will come back stronger in the subsequent tournaments, but he is not the only one with a shocking run.
Naomi Osaka also surprised many in the competition be falling in the fourth round of the tournament. Her disappointing title defence was ended by a rather impressive Belinda Bencic who finished the game in straight sets.
The Japanese star was joined by Simona Halep who was taken down by teenager Marketa Vondrousova in a battling performance. While it can be seen more of a compliment for the Czech teenager, it can also be looked at as another notch in Halep’s list of frustrating tournament runs.
Other notable players who made early exits included Kei Nishikori, Jelena Ostapenko, Petra Kvitova, and Tomas Berdych.
Players go down with the sickness
Ask a passionate SBOBET punter about the worst way to go out of a tennis tournament, he or she might mention health-related concerns. Injuries and viruses that prevent you from playing your best are random, unpredictable. You never know when these ailments would affect the best athletes in any sport.
And the virus is what exactly bit some of the top players as they were forced to either retire or play at a subpar level. The biggest name that was hit by the virus is Serena Williams. The American lost the first set in her third-round match against Gabriñe Muguruza before retiring due to dizziness. Anastasija Sevastova and Alexander Zverev also made early exits due to viral infections.
“By the score, it might have looked like I started well,” Williams said of her performance. “But I was not feeling at all well physically.”
Federer leads the charge of outstanding players
While there have been some disappointing performances from a number of players, it is also important to note that there is also a decent share of fantastic play from superb players. Both the men’s and women’s singles have outstanding players ready to step up.
The women’s game saw many familiar faces see a bit of a return to form in the Californian desert. Angelique Kerber had to pull off an incredible battle, but she did manage to stop Aryna Sabalenka in a game full of incredible Indian Wells Masters 2019 highlights. Venus Williams is also looking sharp with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Mona Barthel.
Gabriñe Muguruza is also showing signs of a resurgence. The former World No. 1 and French Open winner has played some of her best tennis in this competition, and she will be hoping that winning the Indian Wells masters would help her build momentum in the coming competitions.
In the men’s front, there are only two names that are worth mentioning at this point: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Rafael Nadal may still be a tad better on the clay courts, but even the toughest critics cannot deny that the Spaniard is a legitimate threat on any surface. The way he made quick work of Diego Schwartzman in the fourth round is proof of how good he has played as of late.
Roger Federer will always be considered a top contender for the Indian Wells regardless of the seeding. The Swiss star has a rich history of victory at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and it wouldn’t be weird to see him lift the trophy again.
Of course, anything can happen between now and the final. However, it’s just hard to see Federer dropping sets whenever he plays like this.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TENNIS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
