Top five youngest men's singles champions at Indian Wells Open

The BNP Paribas Open, held every March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, is a prestigious outdoor hardcourt tournament. It is included in both the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours and is frequently considered the sport's unofficial 'Fifth Grand Slam.'

John Newcombe was the first champion of the tournament. The record for the most titles won is currently shared by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, both with five wins each. Year after year, the event showcases stunning performances, providing emerging talents with an opportunity to excel and create their own legacies. 

In this article, let’s examine some of the youngest men’s singles champions in the history of Indian Wells.

5. Rafael Nadal – 20 years, 9 months, and 15 days old

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is one of three men who won three titles at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament. His first triumph at this event came in 2007, where he defeated the eventual five-time champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The Spaniard thrived on the slower playing conditions of the Californian courts, which complement his playing style.

Nadal finishes his illustrious career as one of the greatest tennis players in history with 92 ATP titles and 22 Grand Slam titles, with an impressive 14 victories at the Roland Garros. He is deservingly known as the King of Clay.

4. Jim Courier – 20 years, 6 months, and 27 days old

Jim Courier, a two-time champion at Indian Wells, won his maiden title at the age of 20 years and 6 months. In the 1991 final, he triumphed over Guy Forget in an exhilarating five-set match. Courier eventually ended his career with 23 ATP titles, including 4 Grand Slam trophies (Australian Open 1992, 1993 and French Open 1991, 1992).

3. Michael Chang – 20 years and 15 days

Michael Chang downed Andrei Chesnokov in the final of the 1992 Indian Wells Open to win his first and only trophy at the desert. The American ended his career with 34 titles and briefly held the record for being the youngest player ever to win a singles major, achieving this feat at the age of 17 years and 109 days when he claimed victory at the 1989 French Open.

2. Carlos Alcaraz – 19 years, 10 months, and 15 days

Carlos Alcaraz has established himself as the second youngest champion at Indian Wells and the youngest player to successfully defend his title at this prestigious event. The Spanish prodigy achieved consecutive victories in the desert, overcoming Daniil Medvedev in the finals of both 2023 and 2024.

As of March 2025, Alcaraz has won four Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon Championships along with one US Open and French Open title each. Given that his career is still in its early stages, Alcaraz possesses the capability to contend for the joint record held by Federer and Djokovic for the most Indian Wells titles, and he may also exceed Djokovic’s all-time Grand Slam tally by the time he hangs up his racket.

1. Boris Becker – 19 years and 3 months

Boris Becker had already won two Grand Slam titles by the time he turned 19, and in 1987, he claimed his first Indian Wells trophy. He remains the youngest champion in the history of Indian Wells, his raw power and aggression make him a standout player amongst his contemporaries.

The German capped off his career with 49 ATP titles, including 6 Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon 1985, 1986, 1989; US Open 1989; Australian Open 1991, 1996). His 1987 triumph in California came via a comprehensive straight sets victory over Stefan Edberg.

Cover Credits - Tennis.com