2026 BNP Paribas Open

As the calendar turns to March, the eyes of the sporting world shift to the Coachella Valley. The 2026 BNP Paribas Open, held at the iconic Indian Wells Tennis Garden, is set to reaffirm its status as the “Fifth Grand Slam.” Spanning from March 4 to March 15, 2026, this 52nd edition for the men and 37th for the women combines the rugged beauty of the California desert with the high-octane intensity of world-class tennis.

From a star-studded player field to a record-breaking projected prize pool, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 edition of Tennis Paradise.

Tournament Dates & Venue

The tournament officially begins with qualifying rounds on March 1, with the main draw action commencing on Wednesday, March 4.

The venue, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, remains one of the most technologically advanced and fan-friendly sporting complexes in the world. Featuring Stadium 1—the second-largest tennis stadium in the world—and 28 additional courts, the facility offers unparalleled views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The tournament is played on outdoor hardcourts (Plexipave), known for a medium-slow speed that rewards both power and tactical consistency.

Provisional Schedule: The Road to the Finals

The 2026 schedule follows the traditional 12-day main draw format, ensuring that fans get a mix of singles, doubles, and the fan-favorite Mixed Doubles Invitational.

• March 1–3: Qualifying Rounds (The battle for main draw entry).
• March 4–5: Men’s and Women’s 1st Round.
• March 6–9: 2nd and 3rd Rounds (The arrival of the top 32 seeds).
• March 10–11: Round of 16 and Quarterfinals; Mixed Doubles begins.
• March 12: Quarterfinal Thursday.
• March 13: Women’s Singles Semifinals & Men’s Doubles Semifinals.
• March 14: Women’s Doubles Final & Men’s Singles Semifinals.
• March 15: Championship Sunday (Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals).

Prize Money and Point Distribution

While official figures for 2026 are often finalized just before the first serve, industry experts estimate the total prize pool will exceed $19.5 million, continuing the tournament’s trend of leading the way in equal pay for ATP and WTA athletes. Winners of the singles titles are expected to take home roughly $1.15 million each.

ATP & WTA Point Breakdown

The stakes are high for the rankings, with 1,000 points on the line for the champions.

The 2026 Player Field: Titans and Rising Stars

The 2026 entry list is a “Who’s Who” of tennis royalty. Both draws feature a mandatory entry for top-ranked players, ensuring a depth of talent rarely seen outside of the four Majors.

The Men’s Draw

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz enters as a top seed, looking to reclaim the desert crown. He faces stiff competition from Jannik Sinner, who continues his ascent at World No. 2, and the evergreen Novak Djokovic, who remains a threat on these slow hardcourts.

• Watch out for: Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, the American hopefuls looking to secure a “home” win.
• Notable Withdrawal: Holger Rune has unfortunately withdrawn due to a left Achilles tendon injury.

The Women’s Draw

The WTA field is led by the powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka and the tactical brilliance of Iga Świątek.

• The Wildcard Story: All eyes will be on the legendary Venus Williams, who has been granted a wildcard for the 2026 edition, adding a nostalgic and heroic layer to the tournament.
• Next Gen: Keep an eye on Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko, the youngsters expected to disrupt the veteran hierarchy.

Past Champions (2025 Recap)

To understand the 2026 landscape, one must look back at the 2025 victors who conquered the desert:

• Men’s Singles: Jack Draper
• Women’s Singles: Mirra Andreeva
• The 2025 edition was noted for its extreme heat during the first week, which favored the more physically conditioned baseline grinders.

Ticket Information & Fan Experience

Tickets for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open range from Single Session tickets to Full Series packages.

• Ground Passes: These remain the best value, allowing fans to wander the smaller courts and see Top 10 players from just a few rows away.
• Evening Sessions: Known for their electric atmosphere, these sessions under the desert stars are often the first to sell out.
• Digital Integration: The 2026 tournament features an enhanced mobile app for real-time scores, practice court schedules, and contactless dining orders.

Why Indian Wells is Different

What separates Indian Wells from other tournaments is the “Practice Court Experience.” Unlike the Grand Slams where practice sessions can be crowded or restricted, the Tennis Garden allows fans to stand right at the fence as their favorite players run drills. It’s an intimate look at the work that goes into being a pro.

Furthermore, the Mixed Doubles Invitational (running March 10–15) offers a rare chance to see superstars pair up in a format that prioritizes speed and entertainment, making it a highlight for families and casual fans alike.

As we head into the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, the stage is set for a historic fortnight of tennis. Whether you are there for the breathtaking desert sunsets or the 130-mph aces, Indian Wells remains the pinnacle of the spring tennis season.

Spotlight: The Titans of 2026

As we approach the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, the narrative is dominated by a young superstar who has already rewritten the record books this season.

Carlos Alcaraz: The History Maker

Carlos Alcaraz enters Indian Wells as the undisputed man to beat. The 22-year-old Spaniard has had a dream start to 2026:

• Career Grand Slam: In February 2026, Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam by winning his maiden Australian Open title, defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set final.
• Doha Dominance: He arrives in the desert fresh off a dominant title run at the Qatar Open, where he dismantled the field without dropping a set in the final matches.
• The Desert King? Alcaraz is defending minimal points at Indian Wells this year (due to a second-round exit last year), meaning he has a massive opportunity to extend his lead as World No. 1.

Jannik Sinner: The Defending Consistency

The World No. 2, Jannik Sinner, remains Alcaraz’s primary rival. While Sinner fell in an epic five-set semifinal to Djokovic in Melbourne earlier this year, his hard-court game is perfectly suited for the gritty Indian Wells surface. Sinner’s ability to take the ball early makes him a nightmare for opponents in the thin desert air.

Stadium 1 Viewing Guide: Finding the Perfect Seat

Stadium 1 is a cathedral of tennis, seating 16,100 fans. However, not all seats are created equal—especially when the desert sun is at its peak.

The Battle for Shade

In the early afternoon, nearly every seat is exposed to the sun. If you’re looking to stay cool during a Day Session, keep these sections in mind:

• The Shady Side (South and West): Sections 116 through 128 (Southwest corner) are the first to receive shade as the sun dips behind the stadium structure.
• Late Afternoon Relief: By 3:00 PM, sections 126–135 on the West sideline are usually fully shaded, with the sun at your back—ideal for visibility.
• Budget Shade: If you have Loge or Grandstand tickets, the higher rows of the 400-level (Sections 408-416) offer some relief earlier than the lower bowl because of the suite overhangs.

Proximity and Views

• Player Spotting: For the best view of the players’ benches and the tunnel where they enter, look for seats in the Southwest corner (near Entry B).
• The “TV View”: If you prefer the angle you see on television, aim for the North or South Baselines. Seats directly behind the server allow you to truly appreciate the movement and speed of the ball.
• The 360° Experience: Don’t spend the whole day in your seat! Head to the very top rows of the Grandstand for a few games. On a clear day, you can see the entire Coachella Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Hidden Gem: Stadium 2

If Stadium 1 is too crowded, remember that a Stadium 1 ticket gives you access to the general admission areas of Stadium 2. This 8,000-seat stadium is much more intimate, and the world-famous Nobu restaurant is built directly into the concourse, allowing you to eat world-class sushi while watching a top-tier match.