BNP Paribas Open underway at Indian Wells

Known as ‘The Fifth Major’ the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is a highlight in the tennis calendar. The strong field of 96 players will be led by new World No 1 Daniil Medvedev, however most of the attention will be on 21-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal. Nadal won his latest record-breaking major title at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January and will be one of the favourites to claim the title in California.

There could be more Novak Djokovic drama after the Serb was included in the draw but will likely have to comply with American Covid-19 vaccination rules to enter the country. The Wimbledon Champion is believed to be unvaccinated and was deported from Melbourne earlier in the year after his vaccination exemption was rejected by border officials.

In the woman’s draw starts with a blockbuster first round tie between 2018 Champion, Naomi Osaka & 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens. British No 1 Emma Raducanu is a doubt for the competition after suffering a hip injury but has flown to California and will make a late decision on her fitness.