BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells Player List and 3 new partners, Tickets- Jan. 2025, Post Coverage March 2025

Review of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was a landmark event, showcasing world-class tennis under difficult conditions with frequent rain and gusty winds that added to the challenge for the players. Despite the tough weather, the tournament set a new all-time attendance record of 504,268 fans, a testament to the event’s global appeal. Additionally, BNP Paribas renewed its title sponsorship of the tournament through 2029, ensuring the continued success of this prestigious event.

Novak Djokovic was shocked by Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, suffering an early exit at the hands of a tournament lucky loser for a second consecutive year.

Djokovic fell to lucky loser Luca Nardi of Italy in the California desert last year, and history repeated itself on the Stadium One court a day after top-seeded Alexander Zverev also went out.

Men’s Tournament Highlights:

Round of 16:

• Holger Rune vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas: Rune took down Tsitsipas in impressive fashion, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Danish star was relentless, using his power baseline game to wear down Tsitsipas, who struggled to match the intensity of Rune’s aggressive shots. Rune, known for his mental fortitude, was unshaken by the wind and rain that played havoc with both players’ timing, but his strong serving and depth on the forehand kept Tsitsipas on the defensive throughout.

• Arthur Fils vs. Marcos Giron: The young Frenchman Arthur Fils advanced with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Marcos Giron. Fils’s raw power was evident, and he handled the windy conditions well, striking big off both wings. His serve, which has been one of his strengths throughout the tournament, was particularly effective, and Giron was unable to break down Fils’s aggressive baseline game. Fils, a rising star, showed great composure for his age and didn’t allow the conditions to disrupt his game.

• Tallon Griekspoor vs. Y. Watanuki: Griekspoor triumphed 6-4, 6-2 over Watanuki, a player known for his strong all-around game. Watanuki struggled to find his rhythm in the tough conditions, and Griekspoor capitalized on the errors by using his precision groundstrokes and solid serving to close out the match in straight sets.

• Daniil Medvedev vs. Tommy Paul: Medvedev was in ruthless form, cruising past Tommy Paul 6-1, 6-2. Medvedev’s return game was unbreakable, and his ability to generate depth and pace on both his forehand and backhand kept Paul from establishing any sort of rhythm. The tough conditions didn’t seem to faze Medvedev, who kept his focus and used his tactical genius to completely dismantle Paul’s game.

• Jack Draper vs. Taylor Fritz: Draper shocked the home crowd with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Taylor Fritz. Draper’s power and composure were key in this victory, particularly under the tough conditions, which saw strong winds disrupting both players’ timing. Draper’s serve was excellent, and his ability to dominate the rallies with his aggressive groundstrokes gave Fritz little opportunity to get into the match.

• Brandon Sheldon vs. Brandon Nakashima: Sheldon pulled off a 7-5, 6-3 win over Nakashima. Sheldon was the more aggressive player, particularly from the baseline, and used the wind to his advantage by hitting deep, flat groundstrokes. Nakashima, while solid, struggled to consistently match Sheldon’s power and couldn’t break through.

• Steve Cherundolo vs. Alex de Minaur: Cherundolo upset de Minaur 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Cherundolo, known for his versatility and ability to dictate points from the baseline, took advantage of de Minaur’s defensive game in the windy conditions. After dropping the first set, Cherundolo found his rhythm, pushing the Australian into errors while also stepping into the court to control rallies.

• Carlos Alcaraz vs. Grigor Dimitrov: Alcaraz completely dominated Dimitrov 6-1, 6-2. Dimitrov, unable to withstand Alcaraz’s blistering speed and powerful groundstrokes, struggled in the windy conditions, and the young Spaniard’s aggression was unmatched. Alcaraz was clinical on return and played with a level of intensity that left Dimitrov unable to find any answer.

Quarterfinals:

• Holger Rune vs. Tallon Griekspoor: Rune came from behind to defeat Griekspoor 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. After dropping the first set, Rune raised his level, using a combination of deep groundstrokes and an improved serve. Griekspoor’s consistency faltered in the second set, allowing Rune to turn the match around with more aggressive play and better adaptation to the weather.

• Jack Draper vs. Brandon Sheldon: Draper continued his strong run, taking out Sheldon 7-6(4), 6-4. The first set was a battle, with both players holding serve in tough conditions. Draper’s ability to maintain composure in the tiebreak and continue playing with aggressive baseline shots in the second set proved to be the difference.

• Carlos Alcaraz vs. Steve Cherundolo: Alcaraz cruised into the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Cherundolo. Alcaraz was untroubled by the windy conditions, as his athleticism and aggressive forehand overwhelmed Cherundolo, who couldn’t match the Spaniard’s speed and power.

• Daniil Medvedev vs. Arthur Fils: The quarterfinal encounter between Medvedev and Fils was one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. Medvedev narrowly triumphed 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(7) in a dramatic third-set tiebreak. Fils proved to be a worthy opponent, hitting powerful groundstrokes and holding his own against Medvedev’s aggressive returns. However, Medvedev’s composure and tactical brilliance under pressure helped him edge out Fils in one of the most exciting matches of the year.

Finals:

• Jack Draper vs. Holger Rune: Draper capped off his incredible run with a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Rune in a gripping final. Rune, who had shown impressive resilience throughout the tournament, put up a fight, but Draper’s power and focus in the final moments were too much for him. Draper’s aggressive baseline game and ability to adapt to the challenging conditions allowed him to claim his first BNP Paribas Open title, marking a breakout moment in his career.

Women’s Tournament Highlights:

Round of 16:

• Elina Svitolina vs. Jessica Pegula: Svitolina pulled off a 7-5, 6-3 win over Pegula. The match featured intense rallies, with Svitolina showing great defense and composure in the wind, while Pegula struggled with consistency in the tough conditions. Svitolina’s tactical approach and ability to win long exchanges helped her advance to the quarterfinals.

• Mirra Andreeva vs. Elena Rybakina: Andreeva’s 6-4, 6-3 win over Rybakina was a major upset. The 18-year-old Andreeva’s powerful groundstrokes and strong returning game were key in this match. Despite the gusty conditions, she adapted well and handled the wind better than the Kazakhstani star, who was uncharacteristically inconsistent.

• Iga Swiatek vs. Karolina Muchova: Swiatek defeated Muchova 7-5, 6-3. Muchova played well but couldn’t cope with Swiatek’s consistency, especially in the wind. Swiatek’s ability to track down balls and control the rallies from the baseline was the deciding factor, and she pulled away in the second set.

• Zheng Qinwen vs. Barbora Krejcikova: Zheng defeated Krejcikova 6-4, 7-6(5) in a tense, hard-fought match. The conditions tested both players’ patience, but Zheng’s aggressive approach and big serves allowed her to pull through in the tiebreak.

• Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys: Sabalenka secured a 6-3, 6-4 win over Keys. Sabalenka’s powerful serving and aggressive forehand overwhelmed Keys, who struggled with her timing in the windy conditions.

• Coco Gauff vs. Belinda Bencic: Bencic upset Gauff 6-4, 7-6(4) in a dramatic match. Gauff couldn’t find her rhythm, and Bencic took full advantage with consistent shot-making and clutch play in the tiebreak.

Quarterfinals:

• Elina Svitolina vs. Iga Swiatek: Svitolina continued her impressive run by defeating Swiatek 6-4, 7-6(3). Svitolina handled the wind better, and her ability to counter Swiatek’s power with intelligent shot selection was crucial in the win.

• Mirra Andreeva vs. Aryna Sabalenka: Andreeva pulled off another impressive win, defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with Andreeva showing great maturity under pressure to hold off Sabalenka’s powerful game in the deciding moments.

• Zheng Qinwen vs. Coco Gauff: Zheng advanced 6-3, 6-4. Her aggressive game and ability to stay focused in the difficult conditions allowed her to take control of the match and push Gauff off the baseline.

• Madison Keys vs. Aryna Sabalenka: Keys shocked Sabalenka 6-2, 6-4, utilizing powerful serving and excellent forehand control. Sabalenka struggled with consistency, and Keys capitalized with aggressive play.

Finals:

• Mirra Andreeva vs. Aryna Sabalenka: Andreeva claimed the 2025 BNP Paribas Open title with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Sabalenka. The match was a true test of mental strength and skill, with Andreeva handling the windy conditions better, particularly in the final set, to seal her first major title.

Conclusion:

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open was a testament to both the skill and resilience of the players who faced challenging weather conditions throughout the fortnight. Jack Draper’s incredible run to the title and Holger Rune’s strong performance were among the major highlights on the men’s side, while Mirra Andreeva’s breakthrough victory against Aryna Sabalenka on the women’s side added an exciting new chapter to her career. The tournament lived up to its reputation, offering drama, incredible matches, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.

2025 BNP Paribas Open Player Entry Lists Released; Defending Champions Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek Headline Alongside World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka

 

Australian Open Champion Madison Keys Headlines Top 10 American Women Stars Set To Compete Along With Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro

 

2022 BNP Paribas Open Champion Taylor Fritz Leads Charge of American Men Headed To Indian Wells, As Well As World No. 9 Tommy Paul and 2025 Australian Open Semifinalist Ben Shelton

INDIAN WELLS, Calif., FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – The BNP Paribas Open released its player entry lists today ahead of the 2025 event, with a star-studded lineup of top men’s and women’s players headed to Tennis Paradise to compete from March 2-16 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the first combined ATP Masters 1000/WTA 1000 event of the year.

 

Reigning BNP Paribas Open champions Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz headline the list of players set to vie for this year’s title. Swiatek is a two-time Indian Wells champion and will look to become the first WTA player in tournament history to capture a third BNP Paribas Open singles crown. Alcaraz returns as the two-time reigning champion and will be seeking a first ATP three-peat in the desert since Novak Djokovic (2014, 2015, 2016). The five-time BNP Paribas Open champion Djokovic is also on the entry list as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury suffered earlier this year during his run to the Australian Open semifinal.

 

World No.1 players and three-time Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner will top their respective draws in Tennis Paradise as both hope to capture a first-career title in the desert. Sabalenka reached the final in 2023 and will be looking for her first title of the 2025 season after a narrow defeat in the Australian Open final. Sinner, fresh off a run to the title in Melbourne, has reached back-to-back Indian Wells semifinals – falling to Alcaraz both times.

 

Top 5 talents Coco Gauff (World No. 3) and Taylor Fritz (World No. 4) will lead the charge of American hopefuls looking to lift the crown on home soil. 2025 Australian Open finalist Alexander Zverev (World No. 2), three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud (World No. 5), two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini (World No. 4), and 2023 BNP Paribas Open champion Elena Rybakina (World No. 5) complete the list of Top 5 players set to compete in the desert.

 

2025 Australian Open Champion Madison Keys (World No. 7) will carry the spotlight into Indian Wells after breaking through to win her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne. 2023 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula (World No. 6) and 2024 US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro (World No. 9) round out the list of Top 10 players looking to break the American WTA drought in the desert. No American woman has lifted the BNP Paribas Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2001. Other top American women set to vie for the crown include World No. 12 Danielle Collins, former NCAA National Champion Peyton Stearns, and Amanda Anisimova.

 

On the American men’s side, newly-minted Top 10 player Tommy Paul (World No. 9) will look to build off a career-best Indian Wells showing last year, where he reached the semifinal. Rising star Ben Shelton (World No. 13) will make his third appearance in the desert fresh off a run to the Australian Open semifinal, with Frances Tiafoe (World No. 18) and Sebastian Korda (World No. 22) completing the list of Top 25-ranked American ATP players coming to Tennis Paradise. Former Top 50 American players Reilly Opelka and Jenson Brooksby will also compete in Indian Wells for the first time since the 2022 BNP Paribas Open as both players make comebacks from multi-year Tour absences.

2025 Australian Open semifinalist and World No. 10 Paula Badosa highlights a strong crew of former BNP Paribas Open winners looking to reclaim championship glory at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The 2021 champion Badosa will be joined by other past Indian Wells titleholders including Naomi Osaka (2018), Victoria Azarenka (2012, 2016), and Cameron Norrie (2021).

 

Other key names to watch out for include two-time BNP Paribas Open runner-up and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev (World No. 7), five-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Alex de Minaur (World No. 8), two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas (World No. 12), and three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Holger Rune (World No. 14). 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has also entered the field on a protected ranking as he looks to make his first appearance in the desert since the 2022 BNP Paribas Open, where he reached the quarterfinal.

 

On the WTA side, fans can also get excited for Olympic Gold Medalist Qinwen Zheng (World No. 8), 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova (World No. 14), 17-year-old standout Mirra Andreeva (World No. 15), and two-time BNP Paribas Open finalist Maria Sakkari.

The remaining spots in the 2025 BNP Paribas Open player field will be filled by the winners of the qualifying tournament, set to take place from March 2-4, as well as wild card recipients who will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.

About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest combined ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis event in the world, and one of the premier fixtures on tour having been named Tournament of the Year by both the WTA and the ATP Tour for a record-setting ten consecutive years. The 2025 BNP Paribas Open will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden March 2-16.