Top 10 players to watch at Indian Wells Open 2025

The Indian Wells Open 2025 is scheduled to begin on March 7, with an epic showdown between the world’s best tennis players. This prestigious event will showcase an ideal blend of emerging talent and seasoned professionals, with the spotlight majorly being on renowned superstars who aim to establish themselves.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is considered a strong contender, particularly with the absence of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner; however, he must remain vigilant regarding the challenge posed by Novak Djokovic. Iga Swiatek, a two-time champion in the desert, has yet to secure a title this season. Meanwhile, Djokovic, who holds the record for the most titles at Indian Wells, has not claimed victory since 2016.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top 10 players to watch out at Indian Wells Open 2025.

10. Joao Fonseca

Joao Fonseca became the youngest South American to win an ATP Title after his triumph at Buenos Aires. After a stunning win against Andrey Rublev at the Australian Open 2025, the world began to take notice of the Brazilian. Anticipation was high for his performance in Rio, especially after his success in Argentina; however, Fonseca faced overwhelming pressure, leading to an early exit in the first round.

In his first appearance at Indian Wells, the Brazilian will face challenges that will assess both his physical and mental capabilities, with many already recognizing him as a rising star in the sport.

9. Mirra Andreeva

The youngest winner of a WTA-1000 event in the history of tennis makes her way to California as a leading contender for the title. Mirra Andreeva surpassed all expectations by clinching the 2025 Dubai Championship. At just 17 years old, she triumphed over a strong field that included Markéta Vondroušová, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Clara Tauson, thereby making history.

8. Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev returns to a venue where he fell short of a title win twice. Having lost in the finals of the last two tournaments to the same rival, Carlos Alcaraz, the Russian player will be hoping for a change in fortune this time around. However, his recent performance has not been in his favor. Since the start of 2024, Medvedev has not claimed any titles, and he is acutely aware that he cannot afford another setback, as his position within the top-10 ATP rankings is on the line.

7. Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff started the season with an electrifying win at the United Cup but has fallen away since. Consequently, she is no longer considered a frontrunner for titles. Nevertheless, dismissing the American would be a mistake. Despite facing various challenges, the 20-year-old possesses exceptional talent, and with the introduction of new surfaces that favor players of her style, she has the potential to deliver an unexpected outcome.

6. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Two weeks prior, few saw Stefanos Tsitsipas as a serious contender for an ATP-1000 title. After months of difficulties and a lackluster start to 2025, a change in racquet altered his trajectory. He secured his first ATP-500 title in Dubai, triumphing over Felix Auger-Aliassime with exceptional precision in his backhand and effective net play. Now World No. #9, he must prove his resurgence in the desert.

5. Aryna Sabalenka

World No. #1, Aryna Sabalenka, began 2025 with a title in Brisbane, but suffered a tight loss to Madison Keys in the final. Struggling in Dubai and Qatar, she hopes to rebound in Indian Wells, where conditions mirror her past US Open success. The Belarusian has yet to claim a title in the desert, and 2025 may present an opportunity for her to enhance her distinguished collection of trophies.

4. Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina, the champion of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open, makes her return to the venue after being unable to participate last year due to health issues. The Kazakh player has faced off-court challenges stemming from the ongoing controversy surrounding her former coach. Nevertheless, Rybakina demonstrated her competitive prowess in Dubai, where she reached the semi-finals. Her journey will be closely monitored as she seeks to regain a position within the top five of the WTA rankings.

3. Novak Djokovic

The most successful player at the Indian Wells, Novak Djokovic, returns after suffering a second-round defeat last year. A five-time champion in California, the Serbian last claimed victory at this event in 2016. As he prepares for his eagerly awaited comeback to the desert, concerns linger regarding the 36-year-old's physical condition, particularly after he was observed limping at the Doha airport just a few weeks prior.

2. Iga Swiatek

Two-time Indian Wells winner, Iga Swiatek, was expected to be the favourite for the 2025 edition. However, the last-minute decision to change the nature of courts from slowish hardcourts to US Open-like fast courts puts the Polish at a disadvantage. This change raises questions about how Swiatek will adjust, particularly as the five-time Grand Slam titleholder seeks her inaugural title of the current season.

1. Carlos Alcaraz

The two-time reigning champion at Indian Wells appears poised for a third victory. Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly the leading candidate for the title; however, his recent performance has not been optimal. With inconsistency being the biggest concern for the 21-year-old, Alcaraz will be aware that it is his time to shine in the absence of Sinner.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com