Larry Ellison, the visionary force behind the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and BNP Paribas Open, once confidently claimed in 2013, “We will continue to solidify our reputation as one of the world’s premier sporting events.” The tournament has indeed lived up to this promise, setting new standards for tennis events with its stunning desert landscapes and top-notch facilities. The tournament’s unique charm has recently captured the heart of American tennis sensation, Coco Gauff. The 20-year-old athlete couldn’t contain her excitement over the lavish gifts she received upon her arrival at the tournament.
Gauff’s 2025 season hasn’t been as stellar as expected. Despite a breathtaking performance at the United Cup, she experienced a surprising quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, losing to the rejuvenated Spanish player, Paula Badosa. Her challenges continued in the Middle East swing, where she suffered consecutive early exits at the Qatar Total Energies Open and the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, conceding defeat to Marta Kostyuk and McCartney Kessler, respectively.
Yet, despite these setbacks, Gauff remains undeterred. She recently graced the Academy Awards with a dazzling appearance before preparing for her fifth outing at Indian Wells. Upon her arrival at the tournament, she was welcomed with luxurious gift hampers, which she enthusiastically shared with her followers on Instagram.
The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, an esteemed ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, has rightfully earned its moniker as the Tennis Paradise. It has been voted the Tournament of the Year for nine consecutive years, attributed to its record-breaking attendance, breathtaking desert backdrop, and superior facilities. The tournament’s commitment to continually improving the experience for both players and spectators has kept it at the forefront of global tennis events.
In the previous year, the tournament introduced several exciting updates such as a partnership with Sodexo Live! to offer expanded dining options, a digital makeover featuring a redesigned website and improved tournament app, and the return of radio earpieces. These enhancements, coupled with upgraded player facilities and new LED video boards, have solidified its status as a world-class tennis destination.
As for the players, Coco Gauff, who had an exceptional run to the semifinals at Indian Wells last year, is ready for her fifth appearance at the tournament. The former US Open winner, eager to build on her past achievements, shared her thoughts ahead of the competition, reflecting on her journey and anticipation for the prestigious event.
Gauff’s 2024 season ended on a high note, as she clinched the prestigious WTA Finals title and reaffirmed her standing among the elite in women’s tennis. She carried this momentum into the new season, leading Team USA to victory at the United Cup. However, her form has since dipped. Despite her recent struggles, Gauff remains optimistic about the BNP Paribas Open, a tournament where she previously reached the quarterfinals in 2023 and the third round in 2021 and 2022.
Last year, Gauff’s campaign at Indian Wells culminated in a challenging 3-set battle against Maria Sakkari in the semifinals. Before this defeat, Gauff was unbeaten in 20 matches on US soil. As she gears up for this year’s event, Gauff acknowledged her recent struggles but remains hopeful about turning things around.
In the 2025 BNP Paribas Open, Gauff, seeded third, will begin her campaign in the second round after a first-round bye. With potential matchups against tennis stars like Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek, Gauff’s journey to the trophy will undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle to watch.