The BNP Paribas Open, the third WTA 1000 event of the season, kicks off on Wednesday with an impressive lineup.
All Top 10 players from the PIF WTA Rankings are participating, including World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is returning to action for the first time since the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys are also making their comeback in Indian Wells.
Here’s a detailed overview of each draw section, spotlighting key first-round matches and potential quarterfinals.
First Quarter
Sabalenka, who has spent 80 weeks at the top of the rankings, is back in the desert after an 11-1 record in Australia, where she secured a title in Brisbane and reached the Australian Open final. It will be intriguing to see her form in her first match in over a month. (We don’t anticipate any signs of rust.)
Amanda Anisimova is the second seed in this section, alongside new Top 10 player Victoria Mboko and returning champion Osaka, who won in 2018.
Also in this quarter are Iva Jovic, a recent opponent of Sabalenka in Melbourne, and Emma Raducanu.
Notable First-Round Match
Eva Lys vs. Caty McNally: Lys, at No. 70 in the PIF WTA Rankings, aims to bounce back after a knee injury sidelined her. This will be their inaugural WTA match, although Lys previously defeated McNally 6-1, 6-4 in Slovakia.
Possible Quarterfinal Matchup
Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Amanda Anisimova [6]: Their matchups are always thrilling. Anisimova has a 6-5 lead in their career meetings, but Sabalenka has won three of their last four encounters, including at the US Open and the WTA Finals.
Second Quarter
Coco Gauff, fresh off a promising performance in Dubai, leads this quarter, joined by Jasmine Paolini.
Alexandra Eala, who recently faced Gauff in a lopsided match, along with Linda Noskova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Clara Tauson contribute to a competitive field.
Former champions Paula Badosa and Bianca Andreescu, both past winners, are also included in this section.
Notable First-Round Match
Yulia Putintseva vs. Paula Badosa: This match promises excitement as Putintseva thrives under pressure, while Badosa seeks to reclaim her spot in the Top 20 after an injury-plagued year. Badosa leads their rivalry 4-1 but hasn’t faced Putintseva since 2024.
Potential Quarterfinal Meeting
Coco Gauff [4] vs. Jasmine Paolini [7]: Their last encounter in Rome saw Paolini triumph in straight sets, while Gauff later won their two 2025 matches, leading their head-to-head 4-3.
Third Quarter
Jessica Pegula, the World No. 5 and top seed here, is currently in incredible form after winning her 10th title in Dubai. Her primary challenger may be Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, who has faced some recent struggles.
This quarter also features Belinda Bencic, Keys, Emma Navarro, Kostyuk, plus Venus Williams and Cristina Bucsa, who recently captured her first WTA title.
Notable First-Round Match
Venus Williams [WC] vs. qualifier: Regardless of her opponent, the seven-time Grand Slam champion, age 45, is set to make her 10th appearance at Indian Wells. A first-round victory would make her the oldest woman to win a match at this event.
Potential Quarterfinal Clash
Jessica Pegula [5] vs. Elena Rybakina [3]: They last met in Melbourne, with Rybakina taking the win. Rybakina leads their overall head-to-head 4-3.
Fourth Quarter
Iga Swiatek, a two-time champion, is the top seed here, alongside defending champion Mirra Andreeva, who notably defeated major contenders last year for her second back-to-back WTA 1000 title.
Svitolina, Muchova, Zheng Qinwen, and Maria Sakkari also populate this section.
Notable First-Round Match
Lilli Tagger [WC] vs. Varvara Gracheva: Tagger, just 18, is experiencing a hot start to 2026, giving her an opportunity to make a significant impact against Gracheva in their first meeting.
Potential Quarterfinal Showdown
Mirra Andreeva [8] vs. Iga Swiatek [2]: This would be a rematch of their thrilling semifinal from last year, which Andreeva won. Currently, Andreeva holds a 2-1 advantage in their rivalry.
