We take a look at the WTA Premier BNP Paribas Open set to take place in California between 7 and 18 March.
The spotlight this week is on the sensational return of the queen herself, Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is making her much-anticipated comeback for her first competitive match since last year’s Australian Open final. As an unseeded player, Serena’s form and fitness will be the hot topic. Adding spice to the draw are two other former champions, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, both unseeded and capable of causing early upsets. On top of that, players like Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber appear to have regained form, promising a thrilling tournament packed with excitement this year.
Often seen as the heartbeat of the tennis season, the journey to Indian Wells’ hardcourts begins with top seed Simona Halep, who heads the draw ahead of Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki. With so many variables in play, it will be fascinating to see if Halep can shoulder the pressure of leading a fiercely talented field.
Past Winners
2017: Elena Vesnina
2016: Victoria Azarenka
2015: Simona Halep
2014: Flavia Penneta
2013: Maria Sharapova
First Quarter- Top Seeded Players- Simona Halep (1), Jelena Ostapenko (6)
Simona Halep’s path looks favourable this year as she is seeded to meet Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals at 14-1 odds. Their rivalry is intense, with Ostapenko famously defeating Halep at last year’s French Open final, adding a personal edge to this matchup.
Ostapenko’s season hasn’t hit full stride yet, whereas Halep is known for her strong play on American hardcourts. Other seeds in this section like Johanna Konta and Kristina Mladenovic have struggled with consistency in 2024. Belinda Bencic could be a dark horse if she overcomes Timea Babos. Overall, it seems Halep is well-positioned to advance.
Player to Progress: Simona Halep
Second Quarter- Top Seeded Players- Garbine Muguruza (3), Karolina Pliskova (5)
This quarter promises a complex battle. Muguruza brings confidence from strong performances in Doha and Dubai, with coach Conchita Martinez guiding her. Karolina Pliskova has underperformed recently, exiting early in Doha and Dubai.
Petra Kvitova is the form player, riding an impressive 13-match winning streak including two titles. Alongside Coco Vandeweghe and unseeded Eugenie Bouchard, this section is packed with potential fireworks. Former champion Maria Sharapova faces Naomi Osaka in her opening match; Sharapova’s comeback has been bumpy but expect sparks. Kvitova looks ready to make a deep run.
Player to Progress: Petra Kvitova
Third Quarter- Top Seeded Players- Elina Svitolina (4), Venus Williams (8)
Serena Williams finds herself in this tricky quarter and may even face her sister Venus Williams in the third round, provided she beats Zarina Diyas and Kiki Bertens in the early rounds. Elina Svitolina starts off with a tough season but will likely welcome this draw.
Venus has played sparingly this year, and Madison Keys is also out of form, recently losing decisively against Catherine Bellis. Serena’s competitive spirit is unmatched, and despite the challenge, she won’t come to this event without confidence. The BNP Paribas Open is second only to a Grand Slam in prestige — a true test.
Player to Progress: Elina Svitolina
Fourth Quarter- Top Seeded Players- Caroline Wozniacki (2), Caroline Garcia (7)
Australian Open champ Wozniacki has experienced a slight dip after her maiden Grand Slam triumph but remains confident. This section includes the somewhat off-form Caroline Garcia.
Two-time former champion Victoria Azarenka enters with a potentially challenging opener against Heather Watson. Sloane Stephens has struggled so far this season, meaning 10th seed Angelique Kerber, boasting a 15-3 record this year, might be Wozniacki’s sternest rival. Watch out for Daria Kasatkina, who recently reached the Dubai final and could emerge as a dark horse after beating Wozniacki in St Petersburg.
Player to Progress: Caroline Wozniacki
Selected First Round Matches
Sam Stosur (4/10) vs Lauren Davis (17/10)
Sam Stosur’s impressive record overshadows Lauren Davis, but at 17/10, Davis might just spring a surprise worth considering.
Naomi Osaka (12/10) vs Maria Sharapova (6/10)
Though Maria Sharapova’s return has been rocky post-ban, expect her to edge out Osaka in this match. Sharapova enjoys strong support in the USA and should feel comfortable on these courts.
Victoria Azarenka (5/10) vs Heather Watson (14/10)
Azarenka is back following a difficult custody battle and faces British journeyman Heather Watson. Although Watson offers decent value at 14/10, Azarenka is favoured to win comfortably.
