Due to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells has now been cancelled
With the famous hardcourt competition about to begin under the Californian sun, here’s Tennis Talent‘s primer to Indian Wells Masters 2020. Just for added confusion, it’s also known as the BNP Paribas Open 2020, and to some as the “fifth Major”.
When is it?
Monday 9th March (qualifying) to Sunday 22nd March
Where does it take place?
Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, with the finals played at the gargantuan, 16,100-seat Stadium 1 – the second largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world.
Who can enter?
It’s a WTA Premier and ATP Masters 1000 event so the crème de la crème of singles and doubles tennis will be in action.
Who are the current champions?
Last year, Canadian Bianca Andreescu won the women’s singles and Dominic Thiem the men’s singles. In doubles, Nikola Mektić and Horacio Zeballos scooped the men’s silverware, while Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka were the women’s champions.
Who are this year’s favourites?
In the WTA contest, Serena Williams will be hoping to add a third Indian Wells trophy to her huge collection, while current top four Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Karolína Plíšková and last year’s winner Bianca Andreescu will all be looking to go far.
The ATP tournament is potentially a lot less open, with – surprise, surprise – Novak Djokovic, a resurgent Rafael Nadal and holder Dominic Thiem all expected to put in a good showing.
…and the wildcards?
The tennis world can’t stop talking about World No.5 and Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, although her form has dipped lately.
The home crowd are sure to get incredibly excited about 15-year-old 2019 Wimbledon hero Coco Gauff‘s first appearance at Indian Wells – and we’re sure to get incredibly excited about Heather Watson, who is fresh from winning the Mexican Open and breaking back into the top 50.
It seems unlikely that there will be a major upset in the men’s competition (famous last words), but after reaching the US Open final in 2020 Daniil Medvedev will be looking to build on an impressive 2019.
Which other Brits are involved?
Jo Konta had a torrid February, having been beaten by World No. 159 Oceane Dodin in St Petersburg, so will be looking to recapture her best form.
On the men’s side, Kyle Edmund put in a decent display at the Mexican Open, reaching the quarter-final, and new British No.1 and World No. 28 Dan Evans looked hungry in the Dubai Tennis Championships, where he lost to World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final.
Cameron Norrie will want to put an embarrassing loss (in straight sets to World No.294 Brandon Nakashima at the Delray Beach Open last month) behind him.
How can I watch it?
You can watch the BNP Paribas Open on Amazon Prime Video from 11th March (the first round) by clicking here. If you’re not currently a Prime member, you can sign up to a 30-day free trial.