Indian Wells 2026: How to Watch the Draw & What to Expect
The stage is set for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, with the draw scheduled for Monday, March 2nd at 3 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST/11 p.m. GMT). Tennis fans eagerly await to observe how the top players will be seeded and matched up in this prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event.
Key Players to Watch
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 2 Jannik Sinner are expected to headline the tournament, alongside five-time champion Novak Djokovic. Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and defending champion Jack Draper will also be competing for the title.
Where to Watch the Draw
For viewers in the United States, the draw will be broadcast on Tennis Channel 2 and available via the Tennis Channel App. The ATP Tour channels will also provide comprehensive coverage and analysis immediately following the draw’s completion.
Alcaraz’s Dominant Form
Carlos Alcaraz enters Indian Wells with an impressive 12-0 record for the season, having already secured victories at the Australian Open and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. He’s a two-time Indian Wells champion, winning in 2023 and 2024.
Sinner’s Pursuit of a Maiden Title
Jannik Sinner will be looking to finally claim his first Indian Wells trophy. He has previously reached the semi-finals in 2023 and 2024, falling to Alcaraz on both occasions. Currently, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head series 10-6.
Djokovic’s Quest for a Record Sixth Title
Novak Djokovic aims to rebound from his Australian Open final loss to Alcaraz and secure his sixth BNP Paribas Open title, surpassing Roger Federer’s record of five wins in Indian Wells.
The BNP Paribas Open: A Tournament of Significance
The BNP Paribas Open is the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, drawing significant attention from tennis fans worldwide. It’s often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam” due to its high attendance (493,440 in 2024) and prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Indian Wells draw? The draw is on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at 3 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST/11 p.m. GMT).
Where can I watch the draw in the US? You can watch it on Tennis Channel 2 and the Tennis Channel App.
Who are the top players expected to compete? Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic are among the top players.
What is the significance of the BNP Paribas Open? It’s the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season and is often called the “fifth Grand Slam.”
Stay tuned to ATP Tour channels for the latest updates and analysis following the draw!