Tough road ahead for Djokovic at Indian Wells

Defending champion Novak Djokovic returns to the BNP Paribas Open this week to compete against a loaded field that includes 48 of the world’s top-50 players.

The Serb topped current No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain in the semifinals here last season before going on to defeat tournament surprise Mardy Fish in the championship.

Nadal is the top seed in the 128-player draw and the second-ranked Roger Federer - upset by Fish in the semis last year - is plugged in as the No. 2.

An eight-time winner last season, Nadal won here in 2007 to end Federer’s three-year reign as champion.

Another past winner in the field is former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, who won back-to-back crowns from 2002-03.

While Nadal and Djokovic could clash in the semifinals, Federer’s biggest threat in the bottom of the draw is No. 4 Andy Murray, who is playing in his first tournament since withdrawing from the Dubai quarterfinals due to a virus.

First prize is $605,500.