The 2025 BNP Paribas Open is the first Masters 1000 on the ATP Tour. It takes place in the picturesque Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. With just a couple of days until the main draw action begins, we take a closer look at the top five favorites to win the men’s title.
Top 5 Favorites To Win Indian Wells Men’s Tournament
#5. Denis Shapovalov
Although he has advanced to the second week of this tournament only once in his career, Denis Shapovalov arrives in this year’s BNP Paribas Open with a shot at the title. with eight wins from his last nine matches—a run that includes his first-ever ATP 500 title in Dallas–Shapovalov is one of the in-form players on tour. His ranking is on an upward trajectory and the fact he defeated three Top 10 players to win his most recent tournament on U.S. soil makes him a viable contender in Indian Wells.
#4. Novak Djokovic
Among the many places Novak Djokovic has conquered throughout his career, Indian Wells ranks at the very top. He shares the record for the most titles (5) with Roger Federer. He possesses unrivaled match experience at this event. Fitness and motivation will determine whether Djokovic can pull clear in the record and lift his sixth title.
#3. Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev might look back at his Latin American trip with deep regrets. He achieved two quarterfinals in the Golden Swing and was knocked out in the last 16 in Acapulco by Learner Tien. These are not the kind of results Zverev was hoping for in his quest to unseat Jannik Sinner as the world #1. Still, it would be unwise to write him off. The German won the last ATP 1000 in Paris last year and has what it takes to raise his game on the slower hard courts of Indian Wells.
#2. Stefanos Tsitsipas
A player who is full of confidence and self-belief right now is Stefanos Tsitsipas. Not long ago Tsitsipas’ career was in sixes and sevens, but he revived his form in Dubai. In his quest to add more power and regulate his backhand, Tsitsipas trialed a new racket in the Middle East and the results were swift and exceptional. He won his first ATP 500 title in his 12th final and his first hard-court title since 2023. He’s also re-entered the Top 10. Tsitspas is due for a deep run in Indian Wells.
#1. Carlos Alcaraz
Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will be the man to beat in Indian Wells. Alcaraz has not lost before the semifinal since his debut appearance in 2021. A quarterfinal defeat to Jiri Lehecka in Doha does little to change the perception of his chances at the desert. If Alcaraz plays at his absolute peak level, he will be unstoppable.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
