The ‘BNP Paribas Open’ in Indian Wells began with several surprises, also due to the change of surface wanted by the organizers after 25 years. In addition, the conditions in California are often very harsh due to the strong wind that conditions the matches and makes it difficult for the players to get used to it despite their long experience.
In the men’s tournament, two of the top favorites to win such as Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic have already been eliminated.
The German ace confirmed his really bad moment and was defeated by Tallon Griekspoor, who was braver than him in the decisive moments and scored another prestigious victory after the one against Daniil Medvedev in Dubai.
The same fate befell Nole, who totally lost his feeling with the first Masters 1000 of the season.
The five-time champion of this tournament – who had lost to Luca Nardi in the third round last year – did even worse in 2025 by being eliminated by Botic van de Zandschulp already in the second round.
The Serbian legend played a horrible match from all points of view, especially in the first and third sets, committing 37 unforced errors.
Isner speaks about Alcaraz
There is no doubt that the top favorite to lift the trophy is Carlos Alcaraz, who seems to be very comfortable in these conditions and dreams of winning this tournament for the third time in a row.
On the latest edition of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, former American ace John Isner analyzed the Spaniard’s chances in California this year: “I think Carlos is the big favorite in this edition as well. He won this tournament two years in a row, and the surface favors his game, despite the organizers deciding to change it this year.
Alcaraz is perfectly at ease on these courts and manages to be dominant, as he has shown in the last two years.
It will be very difficult to beat him and I think he will win the tournament again.”
The 4-time Grand Slam champion – who liquidated Halys in the second round – will face Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the next round.
Tennis World USA