INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The BNP Paribas Open is underway, with top seeds and rising stars vying for the coveted title. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz started his campaign with a decisive win, defeating French qualifier Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-2. The match, which lasted just 67 minutes, marks Alcaraz's 13th consecutive victory at the event, showcasing his dominance over the competition.
At 21, Alcaraz is not only aiming to defend his title but also to make history as the first player born after 1990 to achieve three consecutive wins at this prestigious tournament. If successful, he will join the ranks of legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who accomplished the same feat. “I was really nervous; it wasn’t easy to control the emotions,” Alcaraz admitted after the match, emphasizing his need to focus and calm his nerves on the court. Alcaraz dominated the match, winning 95% of points on his first serve, landing 21 out of 48, and hitting 24 winners against Halys, who currently ranks No. 59.
Next up for Alcaraz is Denis Shapovalov, who similarly advanced by defeating qualifier Adam Walton 6-3, 6-2. After recently snapping his eight-match win streak, Shapovalov showed resilience, saving six of seven break points against Walton and demonstrating tactical prowess as he broke the Aussie five times throughout the match. “I knew I had to be strong and use my experience to be really competitive,” Shapovalov reflected after his convincing win.
Meanwhile, British number one Jack Draper also reached the third round with his own victory, defeating rising star Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-0. Draper, the No. 13 seed, had to navigate errors from the explosive 18-year-old Brazilian but managed to pull through decisively. “The kid is an unbelievable player with such firepower,” Draper said, acknowledging the challenge posed by Fonseca.
Sonay Kartal, the British womens number three, made headlines as well, advancing by overcoming 16th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia for what marks the biggest win of her career. Kartal’s success came as she capitalized on her status as a lucky loser, having originally lost her qualifying match. “I’m just so happy to be here,” Kartal expressed after her victorious match.
Among the notable upsets was Félix Auger-Aliassime, who succumbed to Jenson Brooksby, losing 6-4, 6-2. Aliassime, who entered the tournament with significant momentum from three titles since January, was unable to respond effectively to Brooksby, who was playing under a protected injury ranking after returning from various struggles, including serving bans and surgery.
The success of players such as Draper and Brooksby is notable not only for their individual achievements but also for their capacity to disrupt the traditional hierarchy within the ATP rankings.
Returning to the action was Makenna Jones, who made her debut at the BNP Paribas Open after recovering from knee surgery. The 27-year-old, daughter of former pros Kelly and Tami Jones, received a wild card to compete alongside fellow American McCartney Kessler. Their first match ended successfully, where they won against Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-4. “It feels really good,” Jones shared about her comeback and the support from her family and friends, who cheered loudly for her during the match. Joness progress proves inspiring as she continues to demonstrate her capabilities on the professional circuit.
With such impressive performances and stories arising from Indian Wells, the tournament has collectively showcased the depth of talent within the ATP and WTA tours. The stakes grow higher as players eye the title, with each match presenting both fulfillment of dreams and the reality of defeat.
Fans eagerly await the continuation of the BNP Paribas Open, where many storylines remain to develop as the tournament advances. The stage is set for clashes between established stars and newcomers alike, creating excitement as athletes fight for excellence and recognition on court.
The BNP Paribas Open promises not only exceptional tennis but also narratives of resilience and aspiration, as players compete for their place within the sport's elite. Stay tuned as these athletes continue their pursuits through one of the most distinguished events on the tour.