Aryna Sabalenka Set to Face Victoria Mboko in BNP Paribas Open Quarterfinals Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will compete against Victoria Mboko, ranked No. 10, in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California. Sabalenka and Mboko previously met at the 2026 Australian Open, where Sabalenka secured a straight-sets victory. The contest will be broadcast on Tennis Channel and streamed live on FuboTV and DIRECTV, both offering free trials. Sabalenka, who has maintained her top ranking in women’s tennis, has been making headlines beyond the court. During a post-match interview following her round-of-16 victory over Naomi Osaka, she introduced her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ash, as a key member of her support team. Sabalenka credited the puppy with providing “mental health support,” helping her stay calm and focused amid her history of on-court emotional outbursts. “Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better,” she said, as commentators on Tennis Channel held and petted the dog. The dog’s presence has become a recurring topic in Sabalenka’s public appearances. She recently shared news of Ash on social media, calling the puppy a “new addition” to Team Tiger, her group of coaches, trainers, and staff. Sabalenka also revealed that she had a deal with her coach, Anton Dubrov, to get a dog if she won last year’s U.S. Open. While she initially considered a Dachshund, she chose a spaniel, citing her mother’s fondness for the breed and the breed’s reputation as a good family dog. Sabalenka named her puppy Ash as a tribute to American tennis legend Arthur Ashe, after whom the U.S. Open’s main court is named.#aryna_sabalenka #bnparibas_open #tennis_channel #victoria_mboko #ash
Alexander Zverev to Face Arthur Fils in Indian Wells Masters Quarter-Finals Alexander Zverev will compete against France’s Arthur Fils in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The match is set for Thursday, 12 March 2026, and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Zverev advanced to this stage after defeating American Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16 with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The tournament’s quarter-final round will take place on 12 March, with the semi-finals scheduled for 13 to 14 March and the men’s final on 15 March. The women’s final is set for 14 March. The competition’s earlier rounds include the round of 16 from 10 to 11 March, the third round from 8 to 9 March, the second round from 6 to 7 March, the first round from 4 to 5 March, and qualification matches from 2 to 3 March. For viewers seeking to watch the match live, the BNP Paribas Open will be broadcast on Sky Sport Tennis, a linear channel operated by Sky. All matches are also available via live streams on platforms such as SkyQ and WOW. Additionally, TennisTV offers streaming access to the tournament, though a subscription is required for full coverage. The event is part of the Indian Wells Masters, a prestigious tennis tournament that attracts top players from around the world. The quarter-final clash between Zverev and Fils is expected to be a highlight of the competition, given the players’ reputations and the high stakes of the tournament. Fans can follow the match through free-to-air television or online streaming services to catch the action as it unfolds.#indian_wells #bnparibas_open #alexander_zverev #arthur_fils #sky_sport_tennis
Jack Draper Defeats Novak Djokovic in Thrilling BNP Paribas Open Match INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Defending champion Jack Draper of Great Britain overcame a challenging match against five-time champion Novak Djokovic, securing a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old British player, who had been sidelined for eight months due to an arm injury, advanced to the quarterfinals where he will face Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev, who defeated Alex Michelsen 6-2, 6-4 in the round of 16, will be his opponent. Draper’s win came after a dramatic third set, where Djokovic held a 6-5 lead before the British player mounted a comeback, forcing a tiebreaker. Despite the victory, Draper acknowledged his performance was far from his best, stating, “I still don’t feel like I’m playing anywhere near the way I want to play. I came out here and I won that match through determination.” This win marks Draper’s return to competitive tennis after a lengthy absence. In addition to his triumph at the BNP Paribas Open last year, he claimed titles at the Stuttgart Open and Vienna Open in 2024. Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, had previously won the BNP Paribas Open in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Earlier this year, he had reached the Australian Open final but fell to Carlos Alcaraz. The match highlighted the intense rivalry between the two players, with Djokovic’s experience and Draper’s resilience proving decisive. Draper’s ability to recover from a deficit in the third set underscored his determination to reclaim his form. As the tournament progresses, his path to the quarterfinals sets the stage for a potential deep run, adding to the excitement of the event.#novak_djokovic #indian_wells #bnparibas_open #daniil_medvedev #jack_draper
Iga Świątek osiągnęła znaczący postęp w turnieju WTA 1000 w Indian Wells, pokonując Marię Sakkari w trzeciej rundzie. Zwycięstwo to pozwoliło Polce poprawić swój wynik w historii spotkań z Greczynką, wyrównując osiągnięcia Agnieszki Radwańskiej i Caroline Wozniacki. Świątek, która jest dwukrotną mistrzynią BNP Paribas Open, znowu pokazała swoje siły, wygrywając nad wiceliderką rankingu, co było kluczowe dla jej postępu w turnieju. Wynik ten był kluczowy, ponieważ Sakkari wcześniej dotarła do finału w Indian Wells w 2024 roku, a w tym sezonie Polka ponownie wykazała się zdolnością do pokonania mistrzyni turnieju. To była już 42. wygrana Świątek nad Sakkari, co podkreśla jej dominację w spotkaniach z Greczynką. Wcześniej, pokonując mistrzynię turnieju WTA 1000 z 2023 roku, druga rakieta świata szósty rok z rzędu awansowała do czwartej rundy BNP Paribas Open. Świątek, która jest drugą rakietą świata, wciąż kontynuuje swoją formę, a jej osiągnięcia w Indian Wells wyrównują rekordy wcześniejszych polskich tenisistek, takich jak Radwańska i Wozniacki. Wcześniej, w latach 2008–2014, obie zawodniczki osiągnęły podobne wyniki w tym samym turnieju. Obecnie, po wygranej nad Sakkari, Świątek znowu staje się liderem w walce o tytuł mistrzowski. Wynik w Indian Wells to kolejny krok w kierunku historycznego osiągnięcia, które jeszcze nie było osiągnięte przez żadną polską tenisistkę. Świątek, znowu pokazując swoje umiejętności, prowadzi w rankingu i kontynuuje swoją dominację w turniejach rangi WTA 1000. Jej wygrana nad Sakkari to kolejny dowód, że Polka jest jednym z najbardziej znakowych zawodniczek w światowym tenisie.#indian_wells #bnparibas_open #wta_1000 #iga_swiatek #maria_sakkari
Bublik Faces Hijikata in BNP Paribas Open Round of 32 Matchup On Monday, March 9, 2026, the BNP Paribas Open will feature a Round of 32 matchup between top-10 ranked Alexander Bublik and 117th-ranked Rinky Hijikata. The match, set to take place on hard court surfaces, has odds favoring Bublik at -450, while Hijikata is listed at +310. Analysts predict Bublik has an 81.8% chance to advance based on the implied probability from the moneyline. Bublik, the 10th-seeded player, enters the match with a strong recent performance on hard courts. Over the past 12 months, he has compiled a 25-10 record, including two tournament titles. His service game success rate on hard courts stands at 86.2%, with a 20.6% return game win rate. Bublik has also converted 39.8% of break points, ranking 37th in that category. His previous tournament appearance, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, ended in a Round of 16 loss to No. 25-ranked Tallon Griekspoor. Hijikata, the 117th-seeded player, has struggled to secure titles on hard courts in the past year, posting a 16-13 record on the surface. His service game win rate is 71.2%, while his return game win rate is 26.7%. Hijikata has converted 43.0% of break points (68 out of 158), placing him 47th in that category. His most recent tournament appearance saw a Round of 32 exit to No. 110-ranked Mattia Bellucci, with a 6-7, 3-6 loss. The match highlights the contrast between Bublik’s consistent performance and Hijikata’s recent challenges. Bublik’s ability to dominate service games and convert break points gives him a clear edge in the matchup. Hijikata, while capable, faces an uphill battle against a higher-ranked opponent with a stronger track record on hard courts.#bnparibas_open #alexander_bublik #indian_wells_tennis_garden #rinky_hijikata #tallon_griekspoor
Ugo Humbert Faces Alex Michelsen in BNP Paribas Open Round of 64 Showdown Ugo Humbert, ranked 34th in the world, will compete against Alex Michelsen, ranked 44th, in the Round of 64 of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, March 7. The match has drawn significant attention due to the players’ similar rankings and closely matched betting odds, underscoring the anticipated competitiveness of their encounter. According to current odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, Humbert is slightly favored to advance, with odds of -118, while Michelsen carries odds of -110. These figures suggest a nearly even contest, with Humbert’s implied probability of winning at 54.1%. Both players have demonstrated strong performances on hard courts in recent months, though their recent histories include notable challenges. Humbert’s hard-court record over the past year stands at 17-15. His service game has been a key strength, with an 81.9% success rate, and he has converted 37.1% of break points, achieving 53 successes out of 143 opportunities. However, his recent form includes a defeat to Andrey Rublev in the Round of 16 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The match ended with Humbert losing 4-6, 7-6, 3-6 on February 25. Michelsen, on the other hand, has a 13-16 record on hard courts in the same timeframe. While his service game remains solid, winning 75.4% of his service points, his return game has been a weakness, with a 21.7% success rate. He has converted 32.6% of break points, achieving 59 successes out of 181 attempts. Michelsen’s last tournament appearance saw him eliminated by Sebastian Korda, ranked 50th, in a tight Round of 16 match at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com. The match concluded with Michelsen losing 3-6, 6-7 on February 18.#fubo #bnparibas_open #tennis_channel #alex_michelsen #ugo_humbert
Bublik Favored Against Hijikata in BNP Paribas Open Round of 32 Matchup Alexander Bublik, the No. 10-ranked player, is set to face No. 117-ranked Rinky Hijikata in the Round of 32 of the BNP Paribas Open. The match, scheduled for a hard court, has drawn significant attention, with Bublik heavily favored at -450 odds compared to Hijikata’s +310 line. These odds highlight Bublik’s strong recent performance on hard courts, where he has maintained a high level of consistency. Bublik’s track record on hard courts over the past year includes 25 wins and 10 losses, with two tournament titles to his name. His ability to dominate service games, winning 86.2% of them, and his effective return game, converting 20.6% of opportunities, further underscore his strengths. He ranks 37th in break points won on hard courts, converting 39.8% of his chances, with 72 out of 181 break points successfully converted. His previous tournament appearance, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, saw him reach the Round of 16 before falling to No. 25-ranked Tallon Griekspoor in a closely contested match with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-7. Hijikata, on the other hand, has not secured any hard-court titles in the past year, with a record of 16 wins and 13 losses. His service game has a winning percentage of 71.2%, while his return game success rate stands at 26.7%. Ranked 47th in break points won on hard courts, Hijikata has converted 43.0% of his break points (68 out of 158) over the last year. His most recent match was a Round of 32 loss to No. 110-ranked Mattia Bellucci at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, where he fell with a score of 6-7, 3-6. The match is expected to be a test of Bublik’s experience against Hijikata’s emerging talent.#bnparibas_open #alexander_bublik #tennis_channel #rinky_hijikata #abierto_mexicano_telcel_presentado_por_hsbc
Novak Djokovic's L.A. sports tour: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, UCLA football Ahead of the BNP Paribas Open, which he is attempting to win for a sixth time, the former world No. 1 was happy to just be a fan. During his recent visit to Los Angeles, Djokovic engaged with a variety of sports icons, including NBA superstar LeBron James and NBA rising star Luka Doncic. The tennis legend also attended a UCLA football game, immersing himself in the energy of the city’s sports culture. Djokovic’s interactions with James and Doncic highlighted the camaraderie among top athletes across different sports. The two basketball stars shared insights about their respective journeys, while Djokovic expressed admiration for their dedication and work ethic. His attendance at the UCLA football game underscored his appreciation for the broader athletic community in Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant sports scene. The former world No. 1 also took to social media to reflect on his experiences, captioning a post with the phrase “defying Father Time.” This remark, paired with photos of him in action during the event, emphasized his continued passion for competition despite his age. Fans and followers praised his ability to stay engaged with the sport while maintaining a fan’s perspective. The BNP Paribas Open, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, is a key event on the ATP Tour, and Djokovic’s participation adds to the tournament’s prestige. His presence in the city also coincided with other major sporting events, including the Doha Masters and F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, showcasing the interconnected nature of global sports calendars. Djokovic’s L.A. visit served as a reminder of his enduring influence in the sports world, bridging gaps between different disciplines and generations.#novak_djokovic #bnparibas_open #lebron_james #luka_doncic #ucla_football
Ella Seidel vs. Anastasia Zakharova Prediction, Odds to Win BNP Paribas Open The BNP Paribas Open will feature a Round of 128 matchup between Ella Seidel, ranked No. 83, and Anastasia Zakharova, ranked No. 86, on Wednesday, March 4. Zakharova is the favorite to advance to the Round of 64, with odds of -150 to win the match, while Seidel is listed at +115. The contest will take place on a hard court surface as part of the tournament’s early rounds. Zakharova’s odds reflect her slight edge in the matchup, based on the implied probability derived from the moneyline. The betting market suggests Seidel has a 60.0% chance to win, while Zakharova is expected to secure a victory at 55.0%. The odds are current as of Wednesday at 2:36 PM ET and are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Zakharova’s recent performance on hard courts highlights her strengths in this surface. She has converted 45.6% of her break-point opportunities (141 out of 309) this season, ranking her 19th in this category. Her service game has been particularly effective, with a 64.5% winning percentage, while her return game has yielded a 37.0% success rate. Despite these numbers, Zakharova has not claimed a title on hard courts in the past 12 months, maintaining a 19-17 record on this surface. Seidel’s hard-court performance has been mixed but shows promise. She has converted 47.7% of her break-point chances (135 of 283) over the past year, slightly below Zakharova’s rate. Her service game has been strong, with a 67.7% winning percentage, while her return game has been less consistent, at 34.4%. In 12 hard-court tournaments this year, Seidel has a 23-13 record, indicating she has the potential to compete in this matchup. Zakharova’s most recent tournament appearance was at the ATX Open, where she faced No.#anastasia_zakharova #ella_seidel #bnparibas_open #betmgm_sportsbook #hard_court
