Murray has only reached the final of the hard court event - also known as the BNP Paribas Open - once, winning just three games in a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Spaniard Rafael Nadal in 2009.

But, with world number two Novak Djokovic defending maximum ranking points as the 2016 winner, the British star has the opportunity to further extend his world rankings lead.

The double Olympic champion heads to Indian Wells after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships for the first time.

Serbia's Djokovic is a five-time winner and a three-time defending champion.

Nadal also won in 2007 and 2013 while Switzerland's Australian Open champion Roger Federer will seek a fifth success and a first since 2012 at the Masters 1000 level tournament.

The trio, who are all entered for this week's event, have collectively won 12 of the last 13 titles at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

A victory for Croatia's Ivan Ljubičić in 2012 was the only exception.

Serena Williams will start as number one seed for the corresponding women's singles event.

The American star has not won the event since 2001, largely because she refused to play for the subsequent 13 years after being booed during the victory ceremony after her elder sister Venus had withdrawn before they were due to meet in the semi-final.

Belarus' Victoria Azarenka beat Williams 6-4, 6-4 in last year's final, but is absent this time after giving birth late last year.

Germany's Angelique Kerber is the second seed.

Qualifying is due to begin tomorrow before main draw action starts on Wednesday (March 8).