Indian Wells guaranteed first time champion following Cilic withdrawal

Marin Cilic has joined the list of withdrawals from the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) which is due to take place from October 7-17.

Cilic has not played since losing in the opening round of the US Open to Philipp Kohlschreiber. It was the first time he has had to retire from a match in his career.

Despite not winning previously at Indian Wells, it brings up an interesting stat that there will be a first time winner for sure now in the tournament with the absence of the Big Three, Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin Del Potro from the draw.

Since 2004, the so called Big Three have won 13/16 of the titles while victories from Ivan Ljubicic, Del Potro and Thiem have spread the remaining three.

Another will add their name to the latter list next week of first time winners.