The new Indian Wells' surface was the most discussed topic during the press conferences that preceded the start of the tournament.
The organizers' decision to change the courts after 25 years shocked everyone and many players wondered why this choice.
The first Masters 1000 of the season had always been characterized by a very slow surface and really high bounces, which made these courts more similar to red clay. It is no coincidence that Carlos Alcaraz had dominated the last two editions, triumphing in both 2023 and 2024, thanks to a series of truly impressive performances.
The first responses on the new courts have been very mixed, as some players have noticed the change while others have said that the speed of the surface is the same as in past editions.
Rublev on the new surface
Interviewed by the media before his debut in California, Russian ace Andrey Rublev expressed his opinion on this subject: Im not sure if its faster or not.
They changed the court color, it was blue, now its more purple.
But yeah, the conditions have always been tough here, well not tough, theyre just difficult to explain.
The player from Moscow has raised his level in recent weeks and - although he has not yet overcome his crisis - has given positive signs in view of the rest of the season.
Andrey lifted the trophy at the Doha ATP 500 in February and hopes to achieve a prestigious result in the first two Masters 1000 of the season as well.
His best result in California was the semifinal he reached in 2022, when he was defeated by local idol Taylor Fritz.
Its like theres one tournament but four different kinds of conditions, Rublev said during his press-conference.
If you play during the day, in the heat, thats one thing but if you play at night, its completely different, nowhere near he concluded.
This tournament could be a great chance for many players due to the absence of world number 1 Jannik Sinner.
