Maria Sharapova Attends Indian Wells Semifinals

The five-time Grand Slam champion returned to the tournament where she won titles in 2006 and 2013.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:40am

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Former world No. 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova attended the women's semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Sharapova, who won the Indian Wells title in 2006 and 2013, was spotted in the stands as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina advanced to the final.

Why it matters

Sharapova's return to Indian Wells, a tournament she dominated during her career, highlights her continued connection to the sport and the event. Her presence also adds star power to the semifinals, which featured a matchup between the current world No. 1, Sabalenka, and rising star Rybakina.

The details

A video clip circulating on social media showed Sharapova, dressed in a white top and black trousers, arriving at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the semifinal matches. Sharapova first competed at Indian Wells as a 14-year-old wildcard in 2002 and went on to win the title in 2006 and 2013, cementing the tournament's significance in her decorated career.

  • Sharapova first competed at Indian Wells as a 14-year-old wildcard in 2002.
  • Sharapova won the Indian Wells title in 2006 and 2013.
  • Sharapova's final competitive appearance at Indian Wells came in 2018, when she faced Naomi Osaka in the first round.

The players

Maria Sharapova

A five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 tennis player who won the Indian Wells title in 2006 and 2013.

Aryna Sabalenka

The current world No. 1 tennis player who advanced to the Indian Wells final for the third time in four years.

Elena Rybakina

A rising star in women's tennis who defeated Elina Svitolina in the semifinals to reach the Indian Wells final.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Sharapova's return to Indian Wells, a tournament she dominated during her career, highlights her continued connection to the sport and the event, adding star power to the semifinals as current and rising stars compete for the title.