At the 36th edition of the Indian Wells Open in 2025, Iga Swiatek is poised to etch her name in the annals of tennis history. The event, a fixture in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) roster since the late 80s, has never seen a woman clinch the title three times. Swiatek, following her victorious achievements in 2022 and 2024, now has her sights set on this unique hat-trick.
The tournament’s history is populated with illustrious figures, each having claimed the title twice, but never thrice. Among them is Martina Navratilova, who emerged victorious in 1990 and 1991, despite not participating in the inaugural event in 1989. Navratilova’s successful defense of her title against Monica Seles in 1991 remains one of her most notable achievements, after which she never again graced the tournament.
Mary Joe Fernández, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, also etched her name on the coveted trophy twice in 1993 and 1995. Her journey to the top in 1993 included defeating stalwarts like Lindsay Davenport, Helena Sukova, and Amanda Coetzer. Her successful run in 1995 against Natasha Zvereva culminated in her second title.
Steffi Graf’s debut in 1994 saw her claim the title before the tournament earned its Tier 1 status, beating Iva Majoli and Coetzer. After skipping the event in 1995, the German legend returned in 1996 to claim her second title against Conchita Martinez.
Lindsay Davenport, a well-known figure in the tournament, reached her first final in 1997, subsequently winning the title against Irina Spirlea. She managed to clinch her second title in 2000 against Martina Hingis, after narrowly missing out in 1998.
Serena Williams, another tennis legend, claimed her titles in 1999 and 2001, with the latter victory marked by controversy that led to the Williams family boycotting the event. It wasn’t until 2015 that Serena returned to the tournament.
Belgian Kim Clijsters, despite being part of a hat-trick of Belgian winners between 2003 and 2005, secured her titles in 2003 and 2005 only. After losing to Serena Williams in 2001, Clijsters defeated Davenport to claim her titles.
Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia claimed her titles in 2002 and 2007, having defeated Justine Henin and Hingis for her first, and overcoming Francisca Schiavone, Hingis, Li Na, and Svetlana Kuznetsova for the second.
Maria Sharapova’s victories in 2006 and 2013 were defined by her straight-sets triumphs. Her first against compatriot Elena Dementieva and the later victory against Caroline Wozniacki.
Victoria Azarenka, the world No 1, secured her titles in 2012 and 2016, defeating formidable opponents like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Angelique Kerber, Agnieszka Radwańska, and even Sharapova.
Iga Swiatek, however, is the reigning champion, having secured her titles in 2022 and 2024. The 2025 tournament sees Swiatek poised to make history, with her eyes firmly on the prize of a third title. Will she succeed in writing a new chapter in the tournament’s history? Only time will tell.
