Unofficially known as tennis' fifth Grand Slam, the world's best players are set to return to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to compete for the BNP Paribas Open title. Recognised as "Tournament of the Year" by the ATP and WTA for the fifth consecutive season, the Masters 1000 tournament is the largest event on the tennis calendar outside the four majors. Novak Djokovic will headline the 96 top-ranked men's players in the singles draw. However, Juan Del Potro won't defend Indian Wells title due to a knee injury. The world No.5 saved three championship points to upstage Roger Federer for his maiden Masters 1000 crown in 2018. INDIAN WELLS WOMEN'S DRAW: When do Ash Barty, Serena Williams and the top seeds play? Sporting News Australia has all the main talking points for the men's draw at the BNP Paribas Open. WHICH AUSTRALIANS ARE PLAYING? Seven Australian men have qualified to compete for the Indian Wells title with Alex de Minaur leading the charge. The 20-year-old will enter the tournament as No.23 seed and and joins Nick Kyrgios, John Millman, Matt Ebden, Jordan Thompson, Alex Bolt and Alexei Popyrin in California. Bolt and Popyrin both won their final-round qualifying matches in straight sets to earn a place in the main draw. The latter became the first qualifier through to the main draw due to his 7-5 6-3 victory over Lukas Rosol. After reaching the third round of the Australian Open, 26-year-old Bolt will take on the Masters 1000 after defeating Christopher Eubanks in two tiebreaks. Their first round matches are yet to be determined. Bolt and Popyrin aside, all other five Australians will play in the top half of the draw. World no.42 Millman will play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in round one, with 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov awaiting in the second. The winner of that match will most likely go on to face Alex Zverev in the third. Ebden will open his Indian Wells campaign against Ivo Karlovic for a chance to upset 11th seed Borna Coric in round two. Thompson takes on Federico Delbonis in the first-round, with the winner to meet seventh seed Dominic Thiem. ALEX DE MINAUR https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/b9/c7/alex-de-minaur_jv1kz987jh7s1fmm63qvuyovl.jpg?t=1106025096&w=500&quality=80 Alex de Minaur will head into the Paribas Open as Australia's highest seed at No.23 and receives a bye in the opening round. With at ticket straight to the second round, the 20-year-old will meet either Jeremy Chardy or a qualifier. The Australian joins Novak Djokovic, Alex Zverev and Dominic Thiem in the top half of the draw. Should the Demon reach the round-of-32, he could face 13th seed Milos Raonic for a place in the finals.The winner of that match has the potential to meet Kevin Anderson or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarters. ROUND ONE: Bye. ROUND TWO: Jeremy Chardy or a qualifier. NICK KYRGIOS Getty Images https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/d0/d0/nick-kyrgios_dtdn8dfeg5pk12icevpksa2ew.jpg?t=933462505&w=500&quality=80 Nick Kyrgios has soared up the ATP rankings and will enter Indian Wells as the 31st seed following his brilliant run to the Abierto Mexicano Telcel title in Acapulco last week. The Australian entered the Mexican tournament ranked 72nd in the world, but a terrific run to the crown saw Kyrgios more than halve his ranking to No. 33. If Kyrgios defeats the winner of Philipp Kohlschreiber and Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the second round, the 23-year-old will go on to face world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the third. The controversial Canberran has won both of their previous two meetings, including a 6-4 7-6(3) win at the Paribas Open two years ago. No. 31 seed 🇦🇺 @NickKyrgios is in the top quarter of the draw His projected @BNPPARIBASOPEN draw (based on ATP Rankings): 🎾 R1: Bye 🎾 R2: 🇩🇪 Kohlschreiber 🎾 R3: 🇷🇸 (1) Djokovic 🎾 R4: 🇮🇹 (15) Cecchinato 🎾 QF: 🇦🇹 (7) Thiem 🎾 SF: 🇩🇪 (3) Zverev 🎾 F: 🇪🇸 (2) Nadal pic.twitter.com/mj8a8d4b4v — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 5, 2019 ROUND ONE: Bye. ROUND TWO: Philipp Kohlschreiber or Pierre-Hugues Herbert. TOP 16 SEEDS 1. Novak Djokovic, 2. Rafael Nadal, 3. Alexander Zverev, 4. Roger Federer, 5. Kevin Anderson, 6. Kei Nishikori, 7. Dominic Thiem, 8. John Isner, 9. Stefanos Tsitsipas, 10. Marin Cilic, 11. Bornia Coric, 12. Karen Khachanov, 13. Milos Raonic, 14. Daniil Medvedev, 15. Marco Cecchinato, 16. Fabio Fognini. TOP HALF Djokovic, Zverev, Thiem, Anderson, Tsitsipas, Raonic, Coric, Cecchinato. BOTTOM HALF Nadal, Federer, Nishikori, Isner, Cilic, Khachanov, Medvedev, Fognini. NO.1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/d0/1d/novak-djokovic_j5idcrgoselyzrez8oo15aw3.jpg?t=-1717100739&w=500&quality=80 World No.1 Novak Djokovic comes into the BNP Paribas Open looking to go back-to-back after taking out the 2019 Australian Open. As the top seed, the Serbian has one of the easiest runs of the tournament with a bye in the first round and awaits a qualifier in the second. However, 31-year-old Djokovic could play Mexico Open winner Nick Kyrgios in the third round, who he is yet to overcome on tour. Not only is the Australian one of the most in-form players at the event, but he has also defeated the Djokovic twice in their two meetings. The winner of the round three clash will go on to potentially face 18th seed Gael Monfils or 15th seed Marco Cecchinato. Top seed 🇷🇸 @DjokerNole is in the top quarter of the draw. His projected @BNPPARIBASOPEN draw (based on ATP Rankings): 🎾 R1: Bye 🎾 R2: Qualifier 🎾 R3: 🇦🇺 (31) Kyrgios 🎾 R4: 🇮🇹 (15) Cecchinato 🎾 QF: 🇦🇹 (7) Thiem 🎾 SF: 🇩🇪 (3) Zverev 🎾 F: 🇪🇸 (2) Nadal pic.twitter.com/ibbRF390Oi — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 5, 2019 ROUND ONE: Bye ROUND TWO: Qualifier or Qualifier NO.2 RAFAEL NADAL https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/d1/cf/rafael-nadal_gzviips0r25z11okht9tmh0hq.jpg?t=1486047672&w=500&quality=80 Pursuing a fourth trophy at the BNP Paribas Open, Rafael Nadal enters the Masters 1000 event holding a 50-10 record. In the Spaniard's three victories at the ATP Masters 1000 event, he has lost a total of three sets. The first time he lifted the trophy in the Coachella Valley in 2007, Nadal won every match in straight sets. The world No.2 will open the tournament against America's Jarod Donaldson or a qualifier, and won't face a top sixteen player until a potential round four clash with Daniil Medvedev. However, the entire tennis world will be eyeing off an anticipated semi-final clash against Roger Federer, who won his 100th ATP title in Dubai last week. Second seed 🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal is in the bottom quarter of the draw. His projected @BNPPARIBASOPEN draw (based on ATP Rankings): 🎾 R1: Bye 🎾 R2: 🇺🇸 (WC) Donaldson 🎾 R3: 🇦🇷 (25) Schwartzman 🎾 R4: 🇷🇺 (14) Medvedev 🎾 QF: 🇺🇸 (8) Isner 🎾 SF: 🇨🇭 (4) Federer 🎾 F: 🇷🇸 (1) Djokovic pic.twitter.com/lVC8meFsno — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 5, 2019 ROUND ONE: Bye. ROUND TWO: Jarod Donaldson or qualifier. NO.3 ALEXANDER ZVEREV Getty Images https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/d9/2c/alex-zverev_k3hucdoi4ibh1cnojctieihj0.jpg?t=926982505&w=500&quality=80 Given that Mischa Zverev ousts Slovakia's Martin Kizan in the opening round, another battle between the Zverev brothers will take place in California. The world No.3 has won their only previous meeting when he defeated his elder 6-3 7-5 at the Citi Open last year, but Mischa will be hungry to take his first win of the season. However, the younger Zverev has never made the quarter finals at Indian Wells and fell in the opening round last year. But his bid to go deeper at the Paribas Open will be a challenge, with a potential blockbuster against 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov awaiting in the third-round. Third seed 🇩🇪 Alexander Zverev is in the second quarter of the draw. His projected @BNPPARIBASOPEN draw (based on ATP Rankings): 🎾 R1: Bye 🎾 R2: 🇸🇰 Klizan 🎾 R3: 🇧🇬 (26) Dimitrov 🎾 R4: 🇨🇦 (13) Raonic 🎾 QF: 🇿🇦 (5) Anderson 🎾 SF: 🇷🇸 (1) Djokovic 🎾 F: 🇪🇸 (2) Nadal pic.twitter.com/fAm8uskdIg — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 5, 2019 ROUND ONE: Bye. ROUND TWO: Martin Klizan or Mischa Zverev NO.4 ROGER FEDERER https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/ff/96/roger-federer_1px81cn5xy66v1cxy3nfrno4yg.jpg?t=1313628272&w=500&quality=80 Fresh from taking out his 100th career title at the Dubai Tennis Championships last week, Roger Federer will head into the Paribas Open in a bid to lift a record sixth trophy at Indian Wells. However, the 37-year-old enters the tournament with only 600 points securing his place as world No.5. Should he fail to advance to the quarter-finals, Kevin Anderson and Kei Nishikori will have an opportunity to overtake the Swiss Mastro.<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments Indian Wells, also known as the BNP Paribas Open, will take place from March 4 until March 17, and the three Grand Slam giants will all be competing. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will all join the tournament at the second round stage. Nadal and Djokovic will be situated at opposite ends of the draw as the top two seeds, with the latter winning in straight sets during their recent Australian Open final clash. The draw for the main tournament takes place on Tuesday March 5 at 11pm UK time.<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments Federer won his 100th singles title last weekend at the Dubai Open. The win, which makes him only the second man in the Open Era to win over 100 career titles alongside Jimmy Connors (109), took him up to fourth in the ATP Rankings. Nadal did not have such a good week of it, crashing out in the last 16 of the Mexican Open to Nick Kyrgios. The Spaniard came out the wrong side of the thrilling encounter with the mercurial Australian who went on to win the tournament Acapulco.<doc-sep>
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images The 2019 BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California is set to begin on Wednesday. The women's and men's fields are stocked with the game's best players, with Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic earning No. 1 seeds. Osaka is also the defending Indian Wells winner. Unfortunately, defending men's champion Juan Martin del Potro is out with a knee injury. Maria Sharapova is not competing due to a shoulder injury. Here's a look at the women's and men's draws, the top seeds on each side and some Twitter reaction to a few tough championship paths for some of the game's greatest players. Brackets Women's Draw Video Play Button Videos you might like Men's Draw Top Seeds Women 1. Naomi Osaka 2. Simona Halep 3. Petra Kvitova 4. Sloane Stephens 5. Karolina Pliskova 6. Elina Svitolina 7. Kiki Bertens 8. Angelique Kerber 9. Aryna Sabalenka 10. Serena Williams Men 1. Novak Djokovic 2. Rafael Nadal 3. Alexander Zverev 4. Roger Federer 5. Kevin Anderson 6. Kei Nishikori 7. Dominic Thiem 8. John Isner 9. Stefanos Tsitsipas 10. Marin Cilic Twitter Reaction Two points stand out above the rest when reviewing the women's and men's draws. One, the field is absolutely stacked. Two, the championship path is treacherous for some of the game's best, with No. 1 Osaka being the most notable: The 21-year-old's path just to make the semifinals is treacherous. Danielle Collins, who made a run from unseeded qualifier to Australian Open semifinalist, could be waiting in the round of 32. Former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki or Belinda Bencic is the favorite to potentially meet Osaka in the fourth round. Bencic is on a roll having beaten four top-10 players to win in Dubai. Karolina Pliskova went blow for blow with Osaka in the Australian Open semifinals before losing in three sets and has split four career matches with the two-time major winner. Of course, Osaka is the No. 1 seed for a reason, and she's won the last two majors in addition to last year's Indian Wells. She's also a massive fan favorite, as noted by this Indian Wells autograph session: Serena Williams could also have a rough slate of opponents: Victoria Azarenka is a two-time Australian Open champion, and Garbine Muguruza is a two-time major winner. Kiki Bertens just won the 2019 St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy, and 2017 United States Open champion Sloane Stephens is one of the game's best stars. However, it probably isn't comfortable for her opponents knowing that they have to face the most decorated tennis player in history. On the men's side, No. 6 Kei Nishikori has a brutal potential lineup of competitors. Jose Morgado of Sport TV Portugal outlined the pitfalls: Nishikori could get picked off well before the finals. Lucas Pouille, who linked with new coach Amelie Mauresmo before the 2019 season, made a semifinals run in the Australian Open before losing to eventual champion Djokovic. Marin Cilic, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, has made the quarterfinals in five of his last eight majors. Denis Shapovalov, 19, is a rising star who has already achieved a top-25 ranking, and Roger Federer is the best men's tennis player the game has ever seen. Djokovic wouldn't have to see Rafael Nadal or Federer until the finals, but he may not get that far with a third-round blockbuster potentially waiting against Nick Kyrgios: As Nick McCarvel noted, Kyrgios is coming off a win at the Mexican Open, which featured wins against three top-10 opponents including Nadal. The 23-year-old has also beaten Djokovic in their two only matchups, with one occurring in the fourth round at Indian Wells two years ago. The eventual winners in both draws certainly will have earned their trophies given the elite competition.