2025 Indian Wells Open – Gauff, Pegula and Keys lead US hopes

The big two of Sabalenka and Swiatek have so far failed to regain their dominance of 2024. Polish star Swiatek was eliminated at the quarter-finals in Dubai by eventual champion Mirra Andreeva, which means she has not reached a WTA final since last year’s Roland Garros.

For world number one Sabalenka, first and second round exits in Qatar and Dubai respectively have stalled her momentum though not her status at the top, where she will stay at least until after Miami at the end of March.

There is no shortage of challengers, and especially the USA’s star trio of Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys, who occupy the third, fourth and fifth world ranking spots, respectively.

With Gauff suffering consecutive opening round defeats, Australian Open champion Keys will fancy her chances after her maiden Grand Slam victory and an extended break.

Another American to watch is Amanda Anisimova, who won her first WTA 1000 title in Qatar and has risen to a career-high ranking of No. 18 heading into the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.