2017 Indian Wells which is the first Masters 1000 event of the season, is rapidly approaching to its conclusion. In men's singles, given the initial draw, the level of excitement was similar to that being put in place by a Grand Slam. Having a jam-packed quarter, with Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, del Potro and Kyrgios on a collision course, the expectations were high. In the end, those watching this tournament had their senses tickled with some huge matches. Whether it was del Potro vs Djokovic, Nadal vs Federer or Djokovic vs Kyrgios, so far, Indian Wells has been a worth-watching tennis event.
Federer and Sock survived
With the semifinals stages already set, Indian Wells saw a brilliant Roger Federer surviving and thriving on the outdoor hard of California. A compelling triumph over Nadal in the 4th round ensured him a battle against Kyrgios in the quarter. Unfortunately, the young Aussie chose to retire just hours before their match was set to begin. Blaming a food poisoning related illness, Kyrgios gave the Swiss a walkover into the semis. Another top-seeded player was knocked out in the quarter. Being on a straight collision with Federer in the semis, Kei Nishikori (5 ATP) surprisingly lost to Jack Sock (18 ATP) in 3 sets. Jack Sock, the last American standing at Indian Wells, just started to feel the breeze inside the top 20 ATP.
Reaching the semis at Indian Wells for the first time, the 24-year-old American also put away his first win over a top 5 player. Besides, he is the best ranked US player in men's singles, and that's another burden he must bear.
Federer vs Wawrinka is just one step away
This year's edition of men's singles could have a 100% Swiss final act.
The upper half of the draw is experiencing a Wawrinka-like ruling. If one thing is for certain is that the more he plays, the better he gets. Wawrinka will face Carreno Busta in the semis. His last previous encounters against Nishioka and Thiem were both decided after a 3rd set. Wawrinka, three times Grand Slam champion, also recorded his best result at Indian Wells. But, he seems eager to go all the way, and what way to end a prodigious run other than facing Roger Federer in a potential heart-breaking final performance.