Rafael Nadal chasing Masters history as Indian Wells draw completed
With the Indian Wells Masters draw now complete, Rafael Nadal could win a record-equalling 37th Masters title.
At this year’s Indian Wells, all players across both the men’s and women’s events will don blue and yellow ribbons on their kits in a show of support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
Similarly, multiple players will also be affected by the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) ban on reference to Russian and Belarusian insignia, meaning many players will have to compete under a ‘neutral flag.’
In the first quarter, US Open champion and new World number one Medvedev has been given a difficult draw. He has been drawn alongside World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas, defending champion Cameron Norrie, exciting prospect Carlos Alcaraz and veteran Gael Monfils.
Continuing, newly-crowned Australian Open champion and now 21-time Grand Slam legend Rafael Nadal could face World number eight Casper Ruud, World number 13 Denis Shapovalov or Australian Open doubles victor Nick Kyrgios.
If Nadal and Medvedev reach the semi-finals, they would share yet another rematch of their iconic Australian Open final having already met at the Mexican Open.
World number three Alexander Zverev has been allowed to compete following the conclusion of the ATP investigation into his disqualification from the Mexican Open.
However, he has been given a suspended eight-week ban that will come into effect if he commits another code violation for verbal or physical abuse or unsportsmanlike conduct.
The German Olympic gold medallist could likely face one of World number six Matteo Berrettini or World number nine Felix Auger-Aliassime.
If Nadal extends his perfect start to the season and wins the event, he will win a record-equalling 37th Masters title.
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