Djokovic: Rafa's On the Right Way

Novak Djokovic addresses the media before he opens play at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open. 

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic says he's feeling good ahead of a busy tennis month starting with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this weekend.

"Couldn't ask for a better start of the season, winning Australia and Dubai, playing on hard courts, which is my most successful and most preferable surface that suits my game the best," Djokovic told the media on Friday.

The Serb said the start of this season feels the same as 2011, when he compiled a 43-match winning streak and remained undefeated until the French Open semifinals in June. That year Djokovic captured the BNP Paribas Open title.

"I don't want to predict anything. My mindset will stay the same, and that is to enjoy the moment, to be in the moment, to try to do my best in the present, and take it step by step and then see how far I can go," Djokovic said.

During that 2011 season, Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal six times in route to claiming the No. 1 ranking in men's tennis. Nadal is marking his return to major competition in Indian Wells after seven months off battling a knee injury.

"It's now been three tournaments in last four weeks for Rafa, and, you know, he doesn't show any signs of pain in the knees and something that can distract him now. He's on the right way, you know," Djokovic said.

"As his colleague and friend, I can say that it's really great to see him back for our sport in general, for fans, for everyone who loves tennis,because he's such a popular and charismatic player and is recognized all over the world," the Serb added.

Djokovic also told reporters he's ready for a busy March with Indians Wells, Miami and a Davis Cup event in Boise, Idaho on his plate over the next five weeks.

"It's not going to be easy, but, again, it's three events in five weeks. It's still all right," Djokovic said. "I know how I need to treat my body, how I need to, you know, prepare for this kind of physical involvement. So I'm looking forward to it."

Djokovic admitted he really enjoys the Davis Cup, because it's a rare occasion where he gets to feel the team spirit. As for playing in Boise, Idaho he did not know much.

"I informed myself through Google and Internet," Djokovic said with a chuckle. "I have seen that there is an altitude obviously of 800 meters, and that goes to favor obviously of American team. On the other hand, I don't know. I wish I could go skiing in Sun Valley, which is very close. But unfortunately, I'm going to have to stay with the racquet and play my best and try to get a win."

Roger Defined by Rivalry with Rafa

Roger Federer cracks a smile after downing rival
Rafael Nadal in Indian Wells.

One of the all-time great sports rivalries finally played out in front of the rabid tennis fans in Indian Wells, Calif.

After a rare desert rain delay at the BNP Paribas Open, No. 3 Roger Federer and No. 2 Rafael Nadal took the court for their 28th meeting.

Watching the two display their skill in person is amazing, and it just adds a new level of appreciation for some of the great matches I've watched on television. Federer makes playing the sport look effortless, while Nadal never gives up on a point and can seemingly run any ball down.

"Obviously conditions were tough today, and against one of my greatest rivals, it's always nice if you come out on top. So I'm very, very happy," Federer said after his straight set 6-3, 6-4 victory.

The win in the California desert was just Federer's 10th against Nadal, which is arguably the biggest flaw when talking about where the Swiss stacks up against all-time tennis greats.

However, if clay courts are taken out of the equation, a surface Nadal just owns, Federer now holds a 8-6 advantage in head-to-head meetings and is a winner of two of the last three.

The 10-18 record can obscure the way Federer dominates sets when they play, as previously detailed by WSJ writer Carl Bialik.

Federer has taken seven 6-0 or 6-1 sets against Nadal, with five of those dominant sets by the Swiss coming in the final set of the match. By comparison, just two of Nadal's wins have ended in such lopsided fashion.

Despite Nadal's sizable advantage in head-to-head matches, it is hard to judge which player is greater. Especially given the way Federer worked over Nadal's backhand in the semis.

Add current No. 1 Novak Djokovic into the mix, who has defeated Nadal in seven consecutive finals, and figuring out the big three gets more complicated.

Tennis is experiencing a reniassance with likely three of the games greats all playing at once. I am just glad I got to see Federer-Nadal rivalry in person.

BNP Paribas Open: Having Fun Off the Courts

Part of the fun of the BNP Paribas Open is that all the top players in the world come to Indian Wells, and they are way more relaxed here than at any of the other big tennis tournaments.

Case in point what has become an annual ritual on the grassy warm-up area just outside the main stadium, pickup soccer games.

Before the action on the courts heats up, No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Rafael Nadal showed off some of their soccer skills.

Playing with Serbian Janko Tipsarevic (ranked No. 10) and another Spaniard Feliciano Lopez (No. 15), Nadal fired a shot into the back of the onion bag.

Now, the real games can begin.

Can the U.S. Regain Tennis Prowess at Indian Wells?

American's Sam Querrey (sitting left) and Mardy Fish (sitting right)

rest during a practice session in Indian Wells.

Over the next two weeks, I have the privilege to help cover the 2012 BNP Paribas Open for Palm Desert Patch.com. I always have enjoyed watching the major tennis tournaments over the years, especially when my namesake, Pete Sampras was dominating. But watching the top players in the world in Indian Wells, Calif. brought my appreciation of the game to a whole new level. I hope to show how special the tournament is here on this blog.

One of the things evident by a quick glance at the ATP World Tour's top 10 is tennis has become a global game.

Eight countries are represented by those players, but there's only one American. Really since the aforementioned Sampras fell from the World No. 1 ranking, the U.S. has been largely irrelevant in men's tennis.

A new generation of U.S. player is hoping to break through the top four players strangle hold in the California desert.

Tennis Just Isn't the Same

The French Open is starting to enter the thick of the tournament.

Great tennis has already been played at Roland Garros, with five-time champion Rafael Nadal surviving his first match that lasted 4 hours, 1 minute against American John Isner.

And Kim Clijsters, who seemed to have everything under control, unraveled in a three-set 2nd round loss.

But it's tough to watch this tournament the way I used to. That's because I learned how great it is to watch a tennis tournament in person at Indian Wells.

The desert oasis is home to one of the most well attended tournaments outside the majors the BNP Paribas Open. And fans get up close and personal with the players.

It really is an amazing experience, with the best players in the world sweating it out feet in front of you. Now, I'm spoiled.

This year at Indian Wells, Novak Djokovic served notice he's doing something special. His three set win over Nadal, improved his record to 18-0 at the time.

I'll be watching to see if his streak continues, but it just won't be the same.

Golden moment for Federer

Roger Federer is leaving Beijing with gold.

It wasn’t the gold medal that was expected of the most dominant tennis player in the world, but in the midst of a frustrating year it’s an important milestone.

“Sort of a dream-come-true moment,” Federer said. “Maybe it comes around once in a lifetime. It’s almost disbelief, to some degree.”

Disbelief has set in now that Federer’s Grand Slam total is stalled at 12 and his 4½-year reign atop the ATP Tour rankings just ended. French champion, Wimbledon champion and now Olympic champion Rafael Nadal completed his ascension to the world No. 1 ranking.

After all, Nadal showed an unrelenting determination in July stopping Federer from winning a sixth straight Wimbledon title, ending his 40-match winning streak at the All England Club. Soon after, many columnists started to question what’s wrong with Roger, questions that reemerged with fervor after his Olympic quarterfinal loss.

Federer has been venerable this year, no doubt about it. But, SI’s Jon Wertheim brought up a good point; a lot of players ranked No. 2 still win majors. There's still one major left and Roger is showing championship mettle.

Finally in 2008, Federer was able to celebrate a big victory. He had some help from countryman Stanislas Wawrinka in toppling Simon Aspelin and Tomas Johansson of Sweden 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-3.

But for the first time in three Olympics, Federer is a medalist, standing atop the podium.

That’s something for the Swiss to smile about.