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Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

The top stars return to Indian Wells. 2020 tournament preview


The Indian Wells tournament will run from 9th March – 22nd March and with all the big names scheduled to compete, it promises to be a blockbuster tournament.

 

Outside of the Grand Slams, Indian Wells is the most regular attended tennis event in the world and is widely considered the biggest tournament after the majors. In 2019, Indian Wells secured a record breaking attendance of 475,000 fans. The tournament always attracts the popular players and it was voted the best ATP 1000 Masters tournament and WTA Premier Mandatory event for the sixth consecutive time last year, by the player’s vote.

 

 

Men’s singles

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will seek to record a sixth Indian Wells title each in 2020. The former has had a perfect start to the year by winning his eighth Australian Open and recapturing the world number one ranking. Djokovic was stunned by Phillip Kohlschreiber in the third round of Indian Wells last year, but will be one of the favourites to win and stretch his lead in the ATP rankings.

Federer was hampered by a back injury in the Australian Open, but managed to reach the semi-finals. Last year, he was one match short of a record crown in Indian Wells, but was stopped by Dominic Thiem in a three-set thriller. Thiem will also be a strong contender given his results this year. The defending champion made his third Grand Slam final in Melbourne and had a two set to one lead over Djokovic, before succumbing to the ‘King of Australia.’

Rafael Nadal will look to add to his record 35 ATP Masters titles. With three championship victories, Indian Wells is Nadal’s second most successful hard-court Masters event. Although he fell short in the Australian Open quarter-finals, the Spaniard has played well this year and more importantly, has been injury free.

World number five, Daniil Medvedev will try and end his disappointing results at the Californian Desert. Medvedev has never advanced past the third round of Indian Wells, but has been one of the most consistent players on tour winning four titles in 2019.

 

Women’s singles

Twenty-three time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams aims to become the first woman to win three Indian Wells trophies. Williams has played a lighter schedule in recent years, but Indian Wells is one of the tournaments she has regularly competed in. She suffered a surprising a third round loss at the Australian Open and will be determined to win her biggest title in three years.

Sofia Kenin won her maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open and is now a name to watch at every tournament she enters. Hard courts are Kenin’s best surface, therefore Indian Wells will be a great opportunity to claim another huge title.

One of the biggest stories in the women’s game has been the rise of 15-year-old, Cori Gauff who will make her Indian Wells debut. Gauff has played three Grand Slams in her career, reaching the fourth round in two. The young American will surely be an attraction for the home fans.

The top three ranked players, Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova will also feature at this year’s edition.

 

Where is the tournament held?

The tournament will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California

 

What dates does the tournament run?

The tournament will run from the 9th March – 22nd March, 2020

 

What court surface is the tournament played on?

Indian Wells is played on outdoor hard courts

 

How many players and how many seeds are in the draw?

There are a total of 96 players in the men’s and women’s singles. There are 32 seeds in the men’s and women’s singles.

 

ATP Rankings Points, Singles

Winner – 1000 points

Finalist – 600 points

Semi-finalist – 360 points

Quarter-finalist – 180 points

Fourth round – 90 points

Third round – 45 points

Second round – 25 points

First round – 10 points

 

WTA Rankings Points, Singles

Winner – 1000 points

Finalist – 650 points

Semi-finalist – 390 points

Quarter-finalist – 215 points

Fourth round – 120 points

Third round – 65 points

Second round – 35 points

First round – 10 points

 

 

Where can I buy tickets for the tournament?

Tickets can be bought at https://bnpparibasopen.com/tickets/

 

How can I follow the tournament without going there?

You can watch the tournament on Amazon prime video. You can also follow the tournament through their official Twitter here


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.