This Week In Tennis: California Dreaming

Skip to main content directly

The tennis world has descended upon Indian Wells and the BNP Paribas Open, one of the sport’s marquee events, is officially underway.

Several players on both tours are coming into the Sunshine Swing on a high after collecting titles last week.

Alex de Minaur successfully defended his Acapulco title over the weekend after defeating Casper Ruud in the final of the ATP 500 event He’s just the fourth man in the tournament’s 31-year history to win the title in back-to-back years, and the first to achieve the feat since it switched from clay to hard courts in 2014. The Aussie then raced to San Diego to watch his girlfriend Katie Boulter capture the most prestigious trophy of her career at the WTA 500 event thanks to a victory over Marta Kostyuk in the championship match. Boulter is the second Brit to capture a WTA 500 title alongside former World No.4 Johanna Konta.

Meanwhile, in Santiago, Chile, Argentine Sebastian Baez took home his second singles title in as many weeks. The Rio champion topped Canadian-born Alejandro Tabilo to wrap up a very fruitful South American clay court swing. At the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai, France’s Ugo Humbert continued his impressive play in 2024 to win his second crown of the year on the strength of a victory over Alexander Bublik in the final. In Austin, Texas, Yuan Yue defeated Wang Xiyu in the fourth all-Chinese final in WTA Tour history to claim her first title.

An Alcaraz vs. Nadal Showdown in Vegas

The inaugural Netflix Slam in Las Vegas was a hit as world no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz defeated fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in a one-of-a-kind exhibition match ahead of Indian Wells. Despite the loss, Nadal showed some solid form throughout which should encourage him as he prepares to play his first tournament since the Aussie Swing. He'll face Canadian Milos Raonic in a blockbuster opening round contest which is also a repeat of the 2013 National Bank Open presented by Rogers singles final in Montreal.

Novak Djokovic was courtside for the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets NBA game to watch his compatriot Nikola Jokic.

As always, the BNP Paribas Open will boast a star-studded field for both the men’s and women’s draws. Enjoy the Tennis in Paradise!