With the hard-court swing in North America now in full swing, all the talk is around whether the game’s ‘Big Four’ can continue to dominate in Indian Wells and Miami, for yet another year.

In the last 12 seasons; on only three occasions, has someone other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, won these two Masters events.

And indeed, it’s safe to say this years’ victors will likely come from these four great players once again, because after being written off with injury and age, the resurgence of Federer and Nadal in the Australian Open has unpredictably put the legendary duo back in contention, whilst the world’s top two – Murray and Djokovic - will be seeking retribution in the US after their early exits in this season’s first major.

Roger Federer

After winning his 18th grand slam in Australia, Federer arrived in North America, brimming with confidence and belief.

The Swiss Maestro was imperious in Melbourne, with his backhand seemingly grander than ever before and his fitness looking supreme, especially in the fifth set against Nadal, where he completely smothered the Spaniard with penetrating aggression and accuracy, reminiscent of his peak game, from a decade ago.

Whilst, the humidity, and strong winds, has seen Federer struggle in Miami in recent times – he hasn’t reached a final since last winning there in 2006 - the 35-year-old has certainly enjoyed his time in Indian Wells over the years, triumphing on four occasions in six finals.

And, although his last win came in 2012, the typically warm and dry desert air in California results in faster courts and quicker points which aids Federer’s attacking game spectacularly and gives him a real chance of success again there this year.

Rafael Nadal

Like Federer, Nadal experienced something of a renaissance in Australia, where he finished runner-up with renewed grit and poise, which many believed was beyond him after such an injury-ravaged 2016.

The Spaniard’s pace across the baseline was evidently quicker, the power in his forehands was back with their relentless spirit and his composure during the high-pressure points was cooler than it has been for quite a while, all of which was embodied in the epic semi-final victory over Grigor Dimitrov.

Whilst, his body struggles with the intense humidity in Miami, the 30-year-old certainly enjoys the conditions at Indian Wells, where the balls bounce up very high, allowing for the effective use of his renowned heavy topspin. Indeed, his track record in California is also admirable with three wins in four finals.

Additionally, after such a brilliant performance in Melbourne, Nadal will be hoping to continue his rebirth and boost his confidence even further by winning in North America, ahead of his beloved clay court season in May.

Novak Djokovic

Having won the Indian Wells-Miami double, for the last three successive years, Djokovic should have arrived in the US, with an unrivalled air of invincibility.

However, since last season’s French Open triumph, the Serbian’s fall from the world number one spot, the occurrence of niggling injuries and the early exit in Australia, has significantly halted his winning momentum and alleviated his domination.

Nevertheless, Djokovic is a wounded animal now and that makes him very dangerous to the rest of the field. The conditions of these two North American tournaments suit the 29-year-old’s approach play hugely, as the balls bounce up high, allowing him to construct his shots from the baseline which is where he is most comfortable.

For that reason and the fact that he hasn’t been beaten at both these Masters events since 2013, Djokovic goes in as the strong favorite once again.

Andy Murray

The world number one heads to North America, aiming to make amends for his extremely disappointing exit in the fourth round at the Australian Open, where he looked sluggish and weary.

Indeed, an extensive 2016 seems to have taken its toll, however, Indian Wells isn’t exactly the best place for Murray to be trying to get his season started, as his best result in the tournament is a single final appearance in 2009, when he lost to Nadal quite convincingly.

Therefore, with his game, likely to struggle in the thinner desert Californian air, Miami is probably where Murray’s best chances of success lie, especially with a record boasting two wins in four finals, which will help him believe that he can overthrow Djokovic’s lengthy dominance at Crandon Park.

Nevertheless, with a resurgent Federer and Nadal back in the hunt and the added pressure of being the number one weighing heavily on his shoulders, Murray certainly has it all to do in the US.