Indian Wells 2021 Preview: New-look field but same old prestige

October 5, 2021

ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments, WTA Tennis Players

Indian Wells 2021 Tournament Preview: New-look field but same old prestige

After a hiatus in 2020, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells returns to the tour. Here, Tennishead takes a look at what fans can expect from the ATP and WTA 1000 event.

For the first time since 2000, none of the ‘Big Three’ of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer will be present out in California, with defending champion Dominic Thiem also out due to injury.

Among the women, 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu returns, as does runner-up Angelique Kerber. 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu makes her WTA 1000 debut, as a seed no less.

Join us for a preview of what the ‘fifth Major’ has on offer after two years away. When does it kick off, how can you watch it, and how will the players profit in the rankings and their prize money?

Make sure you also check out our draw breakdown for the women’s singles event, and watch this space for the same on the men’s side.

Dates

The main draw for both women runs from 6-17 October and for men from 7-17 October. UK fans can watch live on Amazon Prime Video, plus match replays. Otherwise, have a look at our watch guide.

Players

While Federer, Djokovic and Nadal are all out, 16 of the top 20 players on the ATP tour will be at the event.

US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is the top seed, while Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas comes in as second seed.

Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini and Casper Ruud round off the top-10 contingent.

Watch the space in the draw section of this article (below) for a better look at who is competing on the men’s side.

Among the women, world number one Ashleigh Barty decided to skip the WTA 1000 event, while world number two Aryna Sabalenka was forced to withdraw after contracting Covid.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu makes her WTA 1000 debut as 17th seed, while runner-up Leylah Fernandez is seeded 23rd.

Finally, former world number one and four-time Slam champion Kim Clijsters makes her return to Indian Wells after last playing there a decade ago in 2011. She won the tournament in 2003 and 2005.

Where is the event held?

The BNP Paribas Open is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, USA on outdoor hard courts.

Ranking points breakdown, Singles

Indian Wells 2021 Rankings Points