The 'BNP Paribas Open' in Indian Wells has just begun and all players know they have a very important chance, especially due to the absence of world number 1 Jannik Sinner and the new surface.
The top favorite is Carlos Alcaraz, who has triumphed in the last two editions and wants to become the third player in the Open Era (after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic) to achieve the three-peat.
The young Spanish ace who did not understand the organizers' decision to change surface after 25 years practiced well in his first days in California and does not seem to have noticed any particular differences compared to previous years.
The other favorites are certainly Alexander Zverev who has never particularly shone in this tournament and is coming off a disastrous February and Novak Djokovic, who hopes to win the 100th title of his legendary career right here in Indian Wells.
It would be wrong to underestimate Daniil Medvedev, who has started to play better in recent weeks and has reached the final in the first Masters 1000 of the season in the last two editions.
Brad Gilbert praises Shelton
Among the outsiders it is impossible not to mention Ben Shelton, who has the right weapons to put all opponents in difficulty on this surface.
The current world number 12 started the 2025 season well with the semifinal reached at the Australian Open, where he was defeated by Sinner in three sets on the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
In a recent interview with 'Vogue', legendary coach Brad Gilbert was asked where Ben can go by the end of this year: Could he be top 10? Sure I mean, he could be top five.
I like his size, his movement; hes got a wicked serve, obviously; and I like his potential hes also just really fun to watch. The big thing for him moving forward is improving his return game.
Shelton's first opponent in Indian Wells will be Navone or Tien.
