Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic have made tennis history by claiming the men's doubles title at Indian Wells on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This marks the first time since 2014, when the legendary Bryan Brothers held the trophy, where World No. 1 doubles players captured the coveted title. Arevalo and Pavic triumphed over Sebastian Korda and Jordan Thompson, securing their victory with impressive scores of 6-3, 6-4.
Throughout the tournament, Arevalo, representing El Salvador, and Croatia’s Pavic showcased their unbeatable prowess, managing to win without dropping a single set. Their achievement is even more remarkable considering Indian Wells was the only Masters stop where the 31-year-old Pavic had never reached the final—until now. “It’s definitely a special one,” Pavic expressed after the match. “I never made a final here, so that's the first one for me, and yeah, you always dream to win any title, but especially Indian Wells. It’s the so-called fifth Slam. You want to have the one in the books.”
The victory is also monumental for Arevalo, who has been participating at Indian Wells for the past five to six years. After finally playing on center court, he said, “I’ve been coming here for maybe five, six years, and this was the first time I was able to play on center court. I’m really grateful we made it happen.” His heartfelt sentiment resonates with many players who dream of competing at such iconic venues.
During the final match against Korda and Thompson, Arevalo and Pavic faced challenges but remained focused. They saved all four break points they faced, showcasing excellent composure under pressure. The duo set the tone early on, securing breaks and maintaining control of the match as Korda and Thompson struggled to capitalize on their own opportunities.
Thompson and Korda, who are no strangers to the big stage—having won together at the Madrid Masters last year—found themselves trailing 4-2 by the sixth game. Despite their best efforts, including two break points, they were unable to convert these chances as Arevalo and Pavic displayed remarkable resilience.
Korda had particularly tough moments during the match, as his frustrations were evident. After hitting a stunning backhand half-volley passing shot, he suffered what looked like a slip-up on the following point, leading to his forehand error. The emotional rollercoaster of finals can be intense, and Korda's reaction—pulling his shirt over his head—finished off the visual of his tumultuous evening on the court.
Though finals at this level are rarely straightforward, Korda and Thompson did make feeble attempts to turn the tide. At 2-1, they were gifted two break points, but Pavic's experience and strategic play denied them both. His deft volleys and aggressive serves were instrumental, particularly when he blasted one serve cleanly to fend off another break point.
The hard-fought battle concluded with Arevalo and Pavic prevailing, marking Pavic as the only active men's doubles player with 40 titles. After this match, he joins the elite ranks of doubles champions who have achieved such milestones, proving his worth and determination within the sport.
Following the match, Thompson offered his congratulations to the victors. He said, “All the big points went your way because you do it every week, so congratulations.” His acknowledgment of Arevalo and Pavic’s dominance encapsulates the mutual respect among competitors, particularly after such gripping encounters.
This championship for Arevalo and Pavic at Indian Wells transcends just the title; it brings significant exposure to their respective countries and enriches the sporting narrative of their careers. With this victory, both players find themselves among the tennis elite, proving their mettle and preparation lead to great achievement and unforgettable moments.
Overall, the Indian Wells tournament has once again showcased the thrilling dynamics of men’s doubles tennis and the emergent talents gracing the courts. Arevalo and Pavic now have their names etched alongside greats, ready to pave the way for future champions to chase their dreams. The atmosphere was electric, and the passion demonstrated by these athletes reflects why this tournament is often dubbed the fifth Grand Slam.