BNP Paribas Open Monday Schedule Packed with Top Players

Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Fritz headline the action on Day 1 of the prestigious tennis tournament.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The BNP Paribas Open, one of the premier events on the tennis calendar, kicks off on Monday with a packed schedule featuring some of the sport's biggest stars. Rising Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, Serbian legend Novak Djokovic, and American hopeful Taylor Fritz are all set to take the court as the tournament gets underway in Indian Wells, California.

Why it matters

The BNP Paribas Open is a crucial stop on the ATP and WTA tours, with the winners earning valuable ranking points and prize money. The tournament's stacked Monday lineup showcases the depth of talent in men's tennis and the anticipation surrounding the event's return after a pandemic-related hiatus.

The details

Monday's schedule at the BNP Paribas Open features several marquee matchups. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will open his campaign against a yet-to-be-determined opponent, while seven-time champion Novak Djokovic faces off against a tricky first-round foe. American Taylor Fritz, the defending champion, will also be in action as he looks to repeat his 2022 triumph.

  • The BNP Paribas Open begins on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

A 19-year-old Spanish tennis player who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world and is considered one of the rising stars of the sport.

Novak Djokovic

A 35-year-old Serbian tennis player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having won 22 Grand Slam titles.

Taylor Fritz

A 25-year-old American tennis player who is the defending champion of the BNP Paribas Open.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to get back on the court at Indian Wells. It's one of my favorite tournaments and I always enjoy the atmosphere here.”

— Novak Djokovic (Instagram)

“Winning this tournament last year was a career-defining moment for me. I'm going to do everything I can to defend my title.”

— Taylor Fritz (Twitter)

What’s next

The first-round matches at the BNP Paribas Open will continue throughout the week, with the tournament culminating in the men's and women's finals on Sunday, March 16.

The takeaway

The stacked Monday schedule at the BNP Paribas Open showcases the depth and star power of men's tennis, with several of the sport's biggest names set to take the court in the tournament's opening round. Fans are in for an exciting start to this prestigious event.