Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is set to take on Denis Shapovalov at the BNP Paribas Open on March 10, 2025. The match, which signals the entry of the second seed Alcaraz against the 27th seed Shapovalov, is eagerly anticipated as the latter seeks to end the Spaniard's run for three consecutive titles at Indian Wells.
Alcaraz has had quite the season so far, having already won the title at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam earlier this year. Nevertheless, he springs from quarter-final exits at both the Australian Open and Doha, leaving him with the hope to perform much more consistently throughout the season. The Indian Wells event looms as significant for him, considering the need to defend titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon later this year.
Before facing Shapovalov, Alcaraz triumphed over Quentin Halys with relative ease, taking the match 6-4, 6-2. His winning form, which has seen him win 12 out of 14 matches this season, demonstrates how tough he can be when hitting his stride. Shapovalov, on the other hand, also enters the match with momentum, having claimed victory over Adam Walton, and emerged victorious with scores of 6-3, 6-2. The Canadian's performance this season has been commendable, with 11 wins from 15 matches under his belt and lifting the ATP 500 title at the Dallas Open after defeating Casper Ruud.
Alcaraz and Shapovalov's only previous encounter came during the third round of the 2023 French Open, where Alcaraz secured the win with decisive scores of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Despite this, Shapovalov has evoked the spirit of optimism after his Dallas win and will approach the contest with confidence, aiming to capitalize on his improved form.
Such dynamics set the stage for what many expect to be an exciting contest. Alcaraz will likely put pressure on Shapovalov's backhand using his powerful forehand, all the way aiming to improve on his second serve efficiency. Conversely, Shapovalov's strategy will focus on imposing himself early by taking the ball earlier to unsettle his opponent—a method he hopes will yield dividends.
Both players are well aware of what is at stake: The winner will progress to the fourth round, where they are expected to face either 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov or Gael Monfils. With Alcaraz's higher ranking brings its own pressure; the Spaniard is the last top seed remaining after the elimination of Alexander Zverev earlier on.
Meanwhile, another enticing matchup sees American Coco Gauff face off against Greece's Maria Sakkari. Gauff, currently seeded third, finds herself attempting to bounce back from what some view as inconsistent results since her success at the WTA Finals. Her tussle with Sakkari, having previously met during last year’s semi-finals, pits the two against each other under considerable pressure to secure victory for their respective rankings.
Sakkari, the 29th seed, is also struggling for form early this season, having failed to win back-to-back matches at any tournament so far. While there are high expectations for both players, difficulties persist as they both seek stability and to reclaim positive momentum.
Alex De Minaur, ranked ninth, faces Hubert Hurkacz, 21st seed. De Minaur is another player buoyed by good form at the start of 2025, having followed up his Australian Open quarter-final with a final appearance at Rotterdam. This match carries weight not just for ranking points but also for the players’ confidence as both seek to establish themselves firmly once more.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden has become a stage for thrilling encounters, and March 10 will not disappoint. Fans can tune in as Tennis Channel covers the event live from the venue. It's not just win or lose for these competitors; the stakes involve the futures of their respective seasons.
With another edition of prestigious Masters 1000 behind us, the Australian De Minaur’s meeting with Hurkacz is sure to exhibit their intense efforts. Both boast aggressive serves, and their contrasting styles may also make for unpredictable rallies, where composure may prove the ultimate decider.
With stakes raised among the players, and the excitement buzzing year-round on the ATP tour, the matches lined up for March 10 could rewrite the narratives for several athletes, setting the tone for the hard-court season leading to the clay, where all eyes can attention turn for the French Open later this season.