Roger Federer defends his top ranking at the Indian Wells Masters
Roger Federer regained the top spot in the world rankings in February, during the Rotterdam Open. But now comes the toughest challenge for the oldest number one in history: defending his crown. And the Indian Wells Masters will be the first major test.
Roger Federer has nothing less than 2000 points to defend in the coming weeks, including the Miami Masters. That's why the Swiss must reach at least the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters to maintain his place at the top of the rankings.
Who can bring down Roger Federer in the first Masters 1000 of the year? It won't be his great rival, Rafael Nadal, who missed the tour of the Indian Wells and Miami Masters due to his right leg, which has been bothering him since the Australian Open.
Another Swiss, Stan Wawrinka, whom Roger Federer defeated in the final of the 2017 edition of this first Masters 1000 of the season, underwent knee surgery and preferred to stay in Europe.
At 36 years old, Roger Federer fears no one: he has only lost three sets in twelve matches played so far in 2018. In fact, since January 2017, the Swiss has no rivals on hard court with 52 wins and four losses (92.9%).