Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open Pre-Draw Notes, What To Watch
ATP players stranded in Dubai, injuries and current form are among the simmering storylines heading into the Indian Wells BNP Paribas main draw reveals. The joint ATP/WTA draw ceremony is scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, at 3 p.m. local time.
Players often travel to Indian Wells early to fulfill sponsor obligations, meet with agents and power brokers within the sport and participate in photo shoots. A few extra days to acclimate to desert conditions and away from previous tournaments, especially those in the Middle East, might give early birds an advantage this year.
Novak Djokovic Never Stops Seeking
A healthy Novak Djokovic arrived in Southern California last week and has been making rounds and entertaining college players on the campus of UCLA. The five-time Indian Wells champ continues to look for ways to crack the code of Carlos Alcaraz, according to sources. Despite their age difference, there’s more than one way to win a tennis match. Djokovic is looking in every corner.
On the women’s side, Australian Open and WTA Finals Champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from Dubai in mid February dealing with nausea. Assuming she departed the Middle East before conflict erupted, she might be more relaxed and rested than other top players. Having won Indian Wells in 2023, Rybakina’s draw as a three seed will be a key factor.
Carlos Alcaraz Coming In Hot
World number one Carlos Alcaraz and world number two Jannik Sinner continue to sit on a perch above the rest of the ATP field, though Alcaraz with his perfect 12-0 start to 2026 is looking down on even the Italian at the moment. The coaching change and departure of Juan Carlos Ferrero has been a net positive so far in terms of results. But something to keep an eye on: Alcaraz between the points. Previously the taskmaster Ferrero insisted on a fierce discipline and focus during competition. Last week in Doha, Alcaraz lashed out at a chair umpire over a time violation. This kind of behavior has been fairly uncharacteristic to this point.
Jack Draper’s Return
British hopeful Jack Draper, the reigning BNP Paribas Open champ, has finally come back to the tour healthy. A few factors emerge here. Draper is platforming his serve now, which can enhance kick and reduce body strain for some players. Kick works wonders on the high-bounce courts of Indian Wells. Draper will have a bucketful of points to defend in the coming weeks, but rankings pressure might take a backseat in his mind to simple gratitude for being back on a tennis court. In addition, the lefty’s heavy ball striking off the ground works exceptionally well in desert conditions, especially during the day.
Coco Gauff continues to struggle with her serve. That’s even after hiring a biomechanics expert who had previously reportedly helped Aryna Sabalenka with double faults. Indian Wells is one of those places where the edge can be taken off this issue because the courts are slow. On paper, Gauff should shine on these courts with her footspeed. That said, she only has one semifinal run and has generally underachieved in the California desert. Seeded fourth, Gauff will draw either Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek in her half.
More analysis to come after draw release. Updates to include matchups, difficult quarters and final player predictions.
