2010 champion Ivan Ljubicic takes on the in-form Juan Martin Del Potro in Indian Wells today.
As defending champion Ljubicic could have expected a kinder start on his return to the tournament. Instead he has drawn the most dangerous floater in the draw and an early exit will see him plummeting down the rankings.
Ljubicic's title-winning streak was one of the most heart-warming stories on the ATP Tour last year. The big Croatian finally won the Masters Series title many thought was beyond him, at the age of 31. He produced a couple of inspired performances to see off Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick in succession but it looks like he will need to find similar inspiration to avoid getting gunned down by the in-form Del Potro.
The Argentine has hit the ground running in 2011, racking up the wins on February's indoor hard circuit in the States, culminating in a title at Delray Beach.
Ljubicic has not been as impressive. He reached the semi-finals of the strong Rotterdam tournament but his indoor season was not as successful as he would have hoped.
Ljubicic won the only previous match between these two, on clay two years ago. He stunned Del Potro 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in Monte Carlo.
However Del Potro is the man in form right now. He blitzed Radek Stepanek in the opening round 6-4, 6-0 and it's a very, very tough ask for Ljubicic in his first match here.
Prediction: Del Potro in two
