Djokovic and Wozniacki to Defend Titles at 2012 BNP Paribas Open
Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki will defend their titles at the upcoming $11 million BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., an ATP and WTA hard-court event which commences today. This is a record prize purse for any ATP-WTA event outside of the majors which gives $1 million to the women’s and men’s singles champions.
Djokovic took the title in 2011 at the start of what would become 41 match wins consecutively. He started off 2012 with winning the Australian Open; however, later fell to Andy Murray at the Dubai Open in the semifinals.
"Last year was amazing, definitely the best year of my career," Djokovic said.
Djokovic is a five-time Grand Slam champion and could now claim his fourth in a row if he wins the French Open this coming June.
Roger Federer, who is ranked third in the world, has won 16 Grand Slam titles, and will now bring his talent to the California desert.
"It’s nice to win a tournament outdoors now," Federer said. "That gives me hope that I can carry it over to Indian Wells and Miami."
Wozniacki dropped her top ranking and will seek redemption in defending her title from last year at Indian Wells.
"Everyone has things to defend or not to defend. It’s just about playing," she said. "You will have more points at some tournaments, a little bit less at some, so it evens out in the end."
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus withdrew from play last year in the quarterfinals against Wozniacki; however, this year hopes to redeem herself.
"Health is the most important thing," said the top-ranked Azarenka. "If I’m healthy, I can produce good tennis."
