When Is Indian Wells Tennis 2025? Dates & Schedule

By Sarah Miller · December 10, 2033

The Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, officially known as the BNP Paribas Open, takes place annually in March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. It is one of the most prestigious events on both the ATP and WTA tours, classified as an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournament.

When Is Indian Wells Tennis Held?

The BNP Paribas Open typically begins in the second week of March and runs for two weeks, concluding in mid-March. The exact dates vary slightly each year depending on the calendar and scheduling by the ATP and WTA.

Tournament Schedule Overview

Qualifying Rounds: Usually start on the Saturday before the main draw.
Main Draw Begins: First round starts on Monday of the first full week.
Finals Weekend: Men’s and women’s singles finals are held on the second Sunday of the event.
2025 Dates: Scheduled from March 5 to March 16, 2025.

Why Is Indian Wells Important in Professional Tennis?

Known as the "Fifth Grand Slam" due to its size, prize money, and player participation, the Indian Wells tournament attracts nearly all top-ranked men’s and women’s players each year. Its importance stems from several factors:

It is one of only nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and a key WTA 1000 event.
Offers significant ranking points (1000 for winners), crucial for seeding in upcoming tournaments, including Roland Garros.
Features a mandatory participation rule for top-30 ATP players, ensuring strong fields.
Hosts both men’s and women’s events simultaneously, promoting gender equality in tennis.

Historical Significance and Past Champions

First held in 1974, the tournament has grown into one of the sport’s premier hard-court events. Played on outdoor hard courts, it serves as a critical warm-up for the clay season.

Notable Past Singles Champions

Year	Men's Champion	Women's Champion	Surface
2024	Carlos Alcaraz	Victoria Azarenka	Hard
2023	Daniil Medvedev	Iga Świątek	Hard
2022	Taylor Fritz	Iga Świątek	Hard
2019	Stefanos Tsitsipas	Bianca Andreescu	Hard
2018	Roger Federer	Naomi Osaka	Hard

Table data source:BNP Paribas Open Official Site, ATP Tour, WTA Tour

The table highlights consistent dominance by elite players like Iga Świątek and past legends such as Roger Federer. Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 win reinforced his status as a rising force on hard courts. The absence of tournaments in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic disrupted continuity, but recent editions have restored full strength fields.

Tournament Structure and Format

The BNP Paribas Open uses a standard single-elimination format with 96-player draws in both men’s and women’s singles. Doubles events feature 32 teams.

Key Format Details

Singles Draw: 96 players (top 48 seeds receive first-round byes).
Doubles Draw: 32 teams (16 seeded pairs).
Court System: Best-of-three sets; tiebreak at 6–6 in any set.
Prize Money (2024): $9,113,540 per tour (men’s and women’s combined).

How to Watch Indian Wells Tennis

Fans can follow the tournament through various broadcast and streaming platforms:

In the U.S.: Tennis Channel offers live coverage; select matches on ESPN+.
Internationally: Amazon Prime (UK), Stan Sport (Australia), and official ATP/WTA streaming services.
Live Scores: ATP/WTA apps, BNP Paribas Open website, and Google Sports.

Attendance is open to the public, with ticket options ranging from ground passes to premium box seats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Wells Tennis

What time does Indian Wells tennis start each day?

Play typically begins at 11:00 AM local time (PDT). Evening sessions start around 7:00 PM, featuring marquee matchups under lights.

Where is the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament held?

The event takes place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, located in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs.

Is Indian Wells a Grand Slam tournament?

No, Indian Wells is not a Grand Slam, but it is often called the 'Fifth Slam' due to its scale, prize money, and elite player field. It is an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event.

Who won Indian Wells last year?

In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Victoria Azarenka claimed her third Indian Wells title by winning the women’s singles championship.

How many weeks is the Indian Wells tennis tournament?

The BNP Paribas Open lasts for two full weeks, including qualifying rounds and the main draw. The main singles competition spans nine days, culminating in finals on the second Sunday.