Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are set to headline action at the BNP Paribas Open. Second seed Sinner, who is in the bottom half of the draw, will open his Indian Wells campaign on Friday, when he will face qualifier Dalibor Svrcina in the second round. Top seed Alcaraz, who is in the top half of the draw, will begin his bid for a third Indian Wells crown on Saturday. He will take on former World No. You May Also Like: Alcaraz faces tricky opening test in Indian Wells, with Djokovic looming Djokovic, who is in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, will also start on Saturday, when he faces Kamil Majchrzak in his first match since the Australian Open final in January. The third seed is a five-time champion at the event and is seeking his 102nd tour-level title this fortnight. Djokovic, who is in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, will also start on Saturday, when he faces Kamil Majchrzak in his first match since the Australian Open final in January. The third seed is a five-time champion at the event and is seeking his 102nd tour-level title this fortnight. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
The younger Williams sister is officially an active player again, but big sis refused to spill any secrets after a tough loss at the BNP Paribas Open.ByDavid KanePublished Mar 06, 2026 copy_link Novak Djokovic said he hoped to see the younger Williams sister back on court by Wimbledon, but big sis Venus wasn't taking the bait in her post-match press conference on Thursday: Serena “evolved” away from tennis back in 2022, but re-entered the WADA testing pool last summer, clearing the way for her to return to action as of last month. Novak Djokovic said he hoped to see the younger Williams sister back on court by Wimbledon, but big sis Venus wasn't taking the bait in her post-match press conference on Thursday: Will we see you and Serena play together this year, do you think?VENUS WILLIAMS: I think you should definitely ask her that.Though Venus Williams, who fell in three sets to Diane Parry in Indian Wells, never officially retired from tennis, she did take a 16-month break to address health issues in 2024, returning to the sport at 45 and becoming the oldest woman in over two decades to win a match on the WTA Tour. VENUS WILLIAMS: I think you should definitely ask her that.Though Venus Williams, who fell in three sets to Diane Parry in Indian Wells, never officially retired from tennis, she did take a 16-month break to address health issues in 2024, returning to the sport at 45 and becoming the oldest woman in over two decades to win a match on the WTA Tour. Though Venus Williams, who fell in three sets to Diane Parry in Indian Wells, never officially retired from tennis, she did take a 16-month break to address health issues in 2024, returning to the sport at 45 and becoming the oldest woman in over two decades to win a match on the WTA Tour. She's just so good.“I mean, I keep saying to my team, ‘The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,' like we always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know.”For her part, Serena has kept mum on a possible comeback, though she has shared practice videos on social media, most recently with fellow American Alycia Parks. But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know.”For her part, Serena has kept mum on a possible comeback, though she has shared practice videos on social media, most recently with fellow American Alycia Parks. But if she comes back, I'm sure she'll let y'all know.”For her part, Serena has kept mum on a possible comeback, though she has shared practice videos on social media, most recently with fellow American Alycia Parks. For her part, Serena has kept mum on a possible comeback, though she has shared practice videos on social media, most recently with fellow American Alycia Parks.
3 outlasted Terence Atmane on Thursday, having lost to the Frenchman just last week.ByJohn BerkokPublished Mar 06, 2026 copy_link 3 battled through windy conditions to outdo the Frenchman after just under two and a half hours, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.He almost closed it out in straight sets, holding seven break points at 5-all in the second set that would've given him an opportunity to serve for the match—Atmane eventually held serve and broke in the next game to send it to a third set, but Dimitrov built an early lead and hung onto it until he had the victory in his pocket. 3 battled through windy conditions to outdo the Frenchman after just under two and a half hours, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.He almost closed it out in straight sets, holding seven break points at 5-all in the second set that would've given him an opportunity to serve for the match—Atmane eventually held serve and broke in the next game to send it to a third set, but Dimitrov built an early lead and hung onto it until he had the victory in his pocket. 3 battled through windy conditions to outdo the Frenchman after just under two and a half hours, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.He almost closed it out in straight sets, holding seven break points at 5-all in the second set that would've given him an opportunity to serve for the match—Atmane eventually held serve and broke in the next game to send it to a third set, but Dimitrov built an early lead and hung onto it until he had the victory in his pocket. He almost closed it out in straight sets, holding seven break points at 5-all in the second set that would've given him an opportunity to serve for the match—Atmane eventually held serve and broke in the next game to send it to a third set, but Dimitrov built an early lead and hung onto it until he had the victory in his pocket. I think overall the body's been holding up well, but you just never know what you're going to get on the day, and I think today was one of those days when I really had to dig deep in terms of my experience. I've been in the situation like today more than once, but being able to really register quick enough and knowing what I have to do in certain moments, it definitely helped.“Here we are, back at it, slowly but surely.” I think overall the body's been holding up well, but you just never know what you're going to get on the day, and I think today was one of those days when I really had to dig deep in terms of my experience. I've been in the situation like today more than once, but being able to really register quick enough and knowing what I have to do in certain moments, it definitely helped.“Here we are, back at it, slowly but surely.” “Being able to win in such a manner, it gives me confidence, and that's what I want right now. I think overall the body's been holding up well, but you just never know what you're going to get on the day, and I think today was one of those days when I really had to dig deep in terms of my experience. I've been in the situation like today more than once, but being able to really register quick enough and knowing what I have to do in certain moments, it definitely helped.“Here we are, back at it, slowly but surely.” "I love him, in a positive way, but at the same time these are the moments for me that the fun part begins—how, or what can I do differently, or new or interesting, that could potentially not only rattle him but put him in a position where he doesn't really like that. You never know how the game will unfold because it's always in your hands, and I believe if I do the right things and cut down on a few mistakes here and there, something good can come out of it. So I'm going to come out with that mindset, and just stay locked in.”Alcaraz leads their overall head-to-head, 4-2, but there's some good news for Dimitrov, who's actually won two of their last three meetings—a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win in Shanghai in 2023 and a 6-2, 6-4 win in Miami in 2024, both hard-court Masters 1000 events.But the Spaniard did win their last meeting, which was also at a hard-court Masters 1000 event—right here at Indian Wells last year, in the fourth round, and by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. "I love him, in a positive way, but at the same time these are the moments for me that the fun part begins—how, or what can I do differently, or new or interesting, that could potentially not only rattle him but put him in a position where he doesn't really like that. You never know how the game will unfold because it's always in your hands, and I believe if I do the right things and cut down on a few mistakes here and there, something good can come out of it. So I'm going to come out with that mindset, and just stay locked in.”Alcaraz leads their overall head-to-head, 4-2, but there's some good news for Dimitrov, who's actually won two of their last three meetings—a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win in Shanghai in 2023 and a 6-2, 6-4 win in Miami in 2024, both hard-court Masters 1000 events.But the Spaniard did win their last meeting, which was also at a hard-court Masters 1000 event—right here at Indian Wells last year, in the fourth round, and by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. "I love him, in a positive way, but at the same time these are the moments for me that the fun part begins—how, or what can I do differently, or new or interesting, that could potentially not only rattle him but put him in a position where he doesn't really like that. You never know how the game will unfold because it's always in your hands, and I believe if I do the right things and cut down on a few mistakes here and there, something good can come out of it. So I'm going to come out with that mindset, and just stay locked in.”Alcaraz leads their overall head-to-head, 4-2, but there's some good news for Dimitrov, who's actually won two of their last three meetings—a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win in Shanghai in 2023 and a 6-2, 6-4 win in Miami in 2024, both hard-court Masters 1000 events.But the Spaniard did win their last meeting, which was also at a hard-court Masters 1000 event—right here at Indian Wells last year, in the fourth round, and by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. "I love him, in a positive way, but at the same time these are the moments for me that the fun part begins—how, or what can I do differently, or new or interesting, that could potentially not only rattle him but put him in a position where he doesn't really like that. You never know how the game will unfold because it's always in your hands, and I believe if I do the right things and cut down on a few mistakes here and there, something good can come out of it. So I'm going to come out with that mindset, and just stay locked in.”Alcaraz leads their overall head-to-head, 4-2, but there's some good news for Dimitrov, who's actually won two of their last three meetings—a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win in Shanghai in 2023 and a 6-2, 6-4 win in Miami in 2024, both hard-court Masters 1000 events.But the Spaniard did win their last meeting, which was also at a hard-court Masters 1000 event—right here at Indian Wells last year, in the fourth round, and by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. But the Spaniard did win their last meeting, which was also at a hard-court Masters 1000 event—right here at Indian Wells last year, in the fourth round, and by an impressive 6-1, 6-1 scoreline.
Lost in the drama of Matteo Berrettini's cramping at the end of his first-round BNP Paribas Open win Wednesday was someone in his box: former World No. The Italian has recently been working with the 19-time ATP Tour titlist, with their relationship dating back to Berrettini's participation in the 2021 Laver Cup, where Enqvist was vice captain for Team Europe. “When I was by myself in Boston the first time that I went there, my fitness coach arrived the day of the match, so I basically got ready with Thomas. But Thomas was the one who was taking care of my preparation, my training and everything.” Bjorn Borg was famously one of the event's first captains alongside rival John McEnroe. 1 Club, he was immediately struck by Enqvist's presence. This guy loves tennis and loves to work with players, and I just remember that,” Berrettini said. “I was like, ‘Who knows, maybe in the future we can work together'. You May Also Like: Berrettini wins, cramps immediately in bizarre Indian Wells scene! Enqvist spent time in the offseason with Berrettini, who began his year last month in Buenos Aires. After losing the first set in four of his first six matches of 2026, the former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings also dropped his opener Wednesday against Adrian Mannarino. But Berrettini dug in under the intense California sun and rallied past the Frenchman 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in two hours and 49 minutes. I kept telling myself that these are the matches and fights that I'm working for,” Berrettini said. The cramping is because I gave it all. Berrettini simply hopes to put himself in such positions. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries over the past few years and fallen as low as World No. Through the toughest moments, the Italian has worked towards moments like he enjoyed Wednesday — and opportunities like the one he's earned Friday against two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev. “I think you've got to embrace and enjoy the process that brings you to the court because if you're too smiley out there, I feel, at least for me, it doesn't really work 100 per cent,” Berrettini said. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
The BNP Paribas Open doubles draw Thursday served up must-see matches between singles stars and highly seeded doubles duos. Opelka made a winning start to his Indian Wells singles campaign on Wednesday, beating fellow American Ethan Quinn, while Sinner will play his first singles match on Friday against Dalibor Svrcina. Granollers and Zeballos, who competed together at the Nitto ATP Finals last season, have reached the Australian Open semi-finals and the Dallas final in their two events as a pair this year. 2 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, respectively. Arevalo and Pavic won the 2025 Indian Wells crown without losing a set, beating four pairs of primarily singles players along the way—including Sebastian Korda and Jordan Thompson in the final. Djokovic and Tsitsipas will hope to change those patterns, with the Greek likely to be especially motivated after being knocked out of the singles draw by Denis Shapovalov on Wednesday night. Djokovic is seeded third in the singles draw and will face Kamil Majchrzak on Saturday to open his campaign. Rivals Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien are also teaming up in the desert, with the unlikely pair set to face cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot in the first round. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc..
Diane Parry edged the seven-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1, but Venus Williams' return to Stadium 1 -- nearly three decades after her first Indian Wells appearance -- drew the kind of appreciation reserved for a player whose impact reaches far beyond the result. At the age of 45 -- she turns 46 in June -- naturally, Williams isn't the tennis player she once was, but that hardly matters. Neither did Thursday's 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 first-round loss to qualifier Diane Parry. Venus, sporting a stylish Lacoste white sleeveless top and shorts, gave her a good go, staging numerous in-game comebacks and acquitting herself quite well against the No. Parry, incidentally, advanced to last year's third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open. This was Williams' 110th main-draw appearance at a Tier 1/WTA 1000 event, equaling Francesca Schiavone for the sixth most of any player since the tier format's introduction in 1990. She's the second-oldest player to play a Tier 1/1000 event, after 47-year-old Martina Navratilova (Charleston, 2004). Going back to her first appearance at Indian Wells in 1996, Venus' run here spans a full three decades. Her greatest legacy -- and Venus confirms this -- was her instrumental role in convincing the All England Club to offer equal prize money to men and women in 2007. It was wonderfully appropriate when, after winning in 2007 (her fourth of five titles there), she received that first equal paycheck. Williams has a lot going on in her life. She also happens to love tennis, which is why she's still out there, playing a light schedule since her last full-time season in 2019. It just might be the jolt of adrenaline that surges through her when she hits a winner, or the crowd murmur that builds into roars when she's taking control of a point. Credit to Venus for finding a way to relive and recapture some of those golden moments -- and sharing them with her tribute-paying forever fans. At one point, after another one of her thunderous forehands -- a winner into the open court -- Venus turned to the crowd and raised a fist. Diane Parry edged the seven-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1, but Venus Williams' return to Stadium 1 -- nearly three decades after her first Indian Wells appearance -- drew the kind of appreciation reserved for a player whose impact reaches far beyond the result.
INDIAN WELLS -- A woman with a lone Grand Slam mixed doubles title (with John McEnroe at 1977 Roland Garros), will be welcomed into the International Tennis Hall of Fame late this summer -- alongside the great Roger Federer, he of 20 Grand Slam singles titles. “When you think of Rog … “ Mary Carillo began, making a goofy face. 33, but as an astute, breezy analyst for numerous outlets, including ESPN, Tennis Channel and NBC, Carillo made the game more accessible. “I'm very happy to be among these people,” Carillo said. The occasion at the BNP Paribas Open was the Hall of Fame's “Letters of Greatness” celebration, an initiative that began last year when Maria Sharapova and Bob and Mike Brian were enshrined in Newport, Rhode Island. Fans here at Indian Wells write notes to their incoming HOF heroes. They'll be compiled and displayed as part of the enshrinement ceremonies in August. One read: “Mary, great announcing and hosting those tennis tournaments. “Yes,” Carillo said, “they'll be crawling with Douglastonians in Newport!” Indeed, Carillo and the McEnroe brothers all hail from Douglaston, Queens, New York. John McEnroe, a seven-time major singles champion, was enshrined in 1999. The Douglaston Club was where they all learned to play tennis. “Five tennis courts, a swimming pool -- and three bowling lanes,” Carillo remembered proudly. And then Carillo channeled a classic John McEnroe tag line. “I mean, who the hell would see this coming? Mary Carillo, the Emmy-winning broadcaster and former player who won the 1977 Roland Garros mixed doubles title with John McEnroe, shared the news at Indian Wells as fans wrote “Letters of Greatness” to this year's inductees.