The men's professional tennis tour has four grand slams, when the whole tennis world watches and every top player in a fit state to stand up is out on court. Below this, however, there are other prestigious ATP 1000 series events, which still attract most of the top players. One such contest, Indian Wells, starts this weekend.For contact lens wearer Novak Djokovic, the challenge is a big one. The world number one will be seeking to win the title in the first competition since Wimbledon last year to feature him and the other three superstars of men's tennis - Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, of course, has been the one for whom being able to get on court has been such an issue, missing the Olympics, US Open and Australian Open with his knee tendon problems. But for Djokovic, having far from perfect eyesight is no problem at all, thanks to his contact lenses. It is hard to imagine tennis stars wearing glasses - although Martina Navratilova did among the ladies. For men in the ultra-athletic modern game, however, the sheer athleticism needed may make it very difficult to do as they often literally throw themselves around the court.
Whether Djokovic buys his contact lenses online or not, there is no doubt he will be hoping to see the ball well in Indian Wells. He could face Andy Murray in the semi-finals and, if he wins through, it might be Nadal or Federer across the net in the final. Playing in the Dubai Championships last week, Djokovic did not have to face Federer as the Swiss legend was defeated by Czech Tomas Berdych. It mattered not to Djokovic, who took the title in straight sets. For most people, being as good as Novak Djokovic is a very distant dream, but at least with contact lenses, playing the game will be much easier than if glasses were required.