Five Things to Watch Saturday: Defending Champ Federer Brings on the Night

Return of Roger

Talk about a blockbuster. Saturday’s Stadium 1 night session (7 p.m.) will not only feature Roger Federer, who will embark on his title defense against Argentine Federico Delbonis; it will be capped by reigning US Open champ Sloane Stephens vs. two-time Slam titlist Victoria Azarenka. Now that’s a hot ticket.

Sisters Special

Venus (vs. Sorana Cirstea) and Serena (vs. Kiki Bertens) Williams will play back-to-back day-session matches in Stadium 1.

Defending Champ

Elena Vesnina played the tournament of her dreams here last year, outpunching fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in a dramatic three-set final to claim the biggest singles title of her career. The Olympic golden medalist (in doubles with Ekaterina Makarova) returns to what she calls her favorite tournament. (Who could blame her?) Vesnina, 31, opens against young American CiCi Bellis in Stadium 4.

Brothers in Arms

Doubles purists won’t want to miss the all-brothers Stadium 2 clash (not before 6 p.m.) between the record-setting duo of Mike and Bob Bryan and Germany’s Alexander Zverev/Mischa Zverev.

Emirates Day

You’ll be looking fly in your complimentary Emirates cap on Emirates Day, presented to the first 10,000 fans through the gates of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Fans can also participate in the “Emirates Ball Flight” promotion in Stadium 1 for a chance to win round-trip airfare from L.A. to Dubai.