It must be the 2012 Olympics.  Singles players from countries that don’t have strong tennis are often asked to play doubles.  Federer credits his Olympic doubles win with Stan Wawrinka in 2008 to helping him win the US Open that year.  Indian Wells has its strongest field, at least, with singles players.  Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray are all playing doubles with fellow countrymen.  Nadal is playing with Marc Lopez.  Federer with Stan Wawrinka.  Djokovic with Viktor Troicki.  And Andy Murray with his brother, Jamie.

The French are generally flashy players who are often better suited to fast court play than clay.  Unlike the Spaniards, the French are often excellent volleyers and frequently play doubles.  Richard Gasquet partnered with Julien Benneteau.

Federer-Wawrinka won the first set rather easily, 6-3.  It would have been easier had Federer not lost his serve.  However, the French team got a break in the second and held for the second set win, 6-4.  In the tiebreak, the Swiss got ahead, then the French, and the French kept a lead, except at the end, where it was close for a while.  They managed to eke out a win, 12-10.  If they win one more round and Nadal-Lopez win one more round, they may face each other in the semifinals.

The Murrays and Djokovic-Troicki have a tougher draw.  The Murrays are in the same section of the draw as the Bryan brothers.  Djokovic-Troicki are in the same section as Bhupathi-Paes (who must be playing because of the Olympics).  They have a better chance, however of going deeper.

Too bad the doubles isn’t being covered because it’s pretty interesting this year.