Djokovic, Federer, Nadal to Return to Indian Wells

The world's top men and women players, including World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, defending champion and No. 2 Roger Federer, and No. 5 Rafael Nadal, will return to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March.

The tennis tournament, which is a favorite among locals, is set for March 4-17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The field includes nine former BNP Paribas Open champions and 13 Grand Slam champions, according to Steve Simon, tournament director.

Nadal's inclusion in the list will be sure to excite tennis fans. He has not played in a tournament since Wimbledon due to injuries. Nadal is expected to return to tennis in mid-February.

Other men's players expected to play at Indian Wells include World No. 3 and 2012 US Open Champion Andy Murray, World No. 4 David Ferrer, World No. 6 Tomas Berdych, World No. 7 and 2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin Del Potro, World No. 8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, World No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic and World No. 10 Richard Gasquet. Federer is the defending champion.

On the women’s side, the headliners include defending champion and World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, World No. 2 Maria Sharapova, World No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska, World No. 5 Angelique Kerber, World No. 6 and 2011 French Open Champion Li Na, World No. 7 Sara Errani, World No. 8 and 2011 Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova, World No. 9 and 2011 US Open Champion Samantha Stosur, and World No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki.

Sharapova has not won the title of champion at Indian Wells since 2006.

Americans in the field include John Isner, Sam Querrey, Mardy Fish, Brian Baker, Ryan Harrison, Varvara Lepchenko, Sloane Stephens, Christina McHale, Jamie Hampton and Vania King.

All eyes are on Stephens, who recently upset World No. 3 Serena Williams at the Australian Open. The Williams sisters have not played at the Indian Wells tournament since 2001.