Australian Open Champions Headline Star-Studded BNP Tennis Tourney

Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina top the player entry lists for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The BNP Paribas Open released its 2026 player entry lists, with top men's and women's players set to compete at the first combined ATP Masters/WTA 1000 event of the season. World No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka headline the star-studded field, along with past champions Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and more.

Why it matters

The BNP Paribas Open is one of the premier events on the tennis calendar, often referred to as the "5th Slam" of the sport. With all the top players in the world competing, it's a must-see event for tennis fans that provides a glimpse of the future stars and storylines of the sport.

The details

The 2026 BNP Paribas Open will feature a stacked field, including 2023 and 2024 champion Carlos Alcaraz, 2023 champion Elena Rybakina, and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, who is seeking a record-breaking 6th title in Indian Wells. Other past champions like Naomi Osaka, Paula Badosa, Taylor Fritz, and Cameron Norrie will also be in the mix. Top American players like Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula will be looking to end the U.S. women's title drought that dates back to Serena Williams' 2001 triumph.

  • The 2026 BNP Paribas Open will be held from March 1-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

The world No. 1 and two-time BNP Paribas Open champion (2023, 2024) enters Indian Wells fresh off completing the career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka

The world No. 1 on the women's side will be looking to avenge her Australian Open final loss to Elena Rybakina.

Elena Rybakina

The 2023 BNP Paribas Open champion will have her eyes set on a second career title in Indian Wells following her Australian Open triumph.

Novak Djokovic

The 24-time Grand Slam champion and five-time BNP Paribas Open winner (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016) will aim for a record-breaking 6th title in Tennis Paradise.

Iga Swiatek

The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion (2022, 2024) will look to add another title in Indian Wells.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The 2026 BNP Paribas Open will feature an incredible collection of past champions, rising stars, and top-ranked players from around the world, making it a must-see event for any tennis fan. With the title drought for American women dating back over 20 years, the home crowd will be eager to see if players like Anisimova, Gauff, or Pegula can finally break through and capture the trophy.