The prestigious Indian Wells 2025 tournament is underway, bringing together the world’s top tennis stars for an action-packed event in the Californian desert. Often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam,” Indian Wells promises thrilling encounters across both the ATP and WTA circuits. The tournament will run from March 5 to March 16, with the men’s and women’s finals set to take place on Sunday, March 16.
How to Watch Indian Wells 2025
Fans can catch all the live action on Sky Sports Tennis.
- Day session matches start at 6 PM UK time (11 AM local time).
- Night session matches begin at 1 AM UK time (6 PM local time).
For those on the go, matches will also be available via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
British Players in Action
Several British players have competed at Indian Wells 2025, with mixed results.
- Sonay Kartal, a lucky loser, is set to play Polina Kudermetova in the third round.
- Jack Draper faces American Jenson Brooksby in a crucial third-round match.
- Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter reached round three but were eliminated by Tommy Paul and Elena Rybakina, respectively.
- Emma Raducanu, playing her first match since a distressing stalking incident in Dubai, lost to Moyuka Uchijima in the opening round.
- Jacob Fearnley also suffered an early exit, losing to rising star Joao Fonseca.
Novak Djokovic’s Shock Exit
In a stunning turn of events, five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic suffered a second-round defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp. The world No. 1 lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, continuing his struggles in 2025 after retiring from his Australian Open semi-final due to a hamstring injury and an early exit at the Qatar Open.
Djokovic, who was chasing his 100th career singles title, will have to wait longer to join Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles) in the elite club of centurions.
Who is Missing and Who Are the Defending Champions?
- World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will not compete at Indian Wells, as he is serving a three-month ban following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
- Carlos Alcaraz enters as the two-time reigning champion, having defeated Daniil Medvedev in consecutive finals.
- On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek is the defending champion, while world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Australian Open winner Madison Keys are strong contenders looking to dethrone her.
Indian Wells 2025 Prize Money Breakdown
The tournament offers lucrative prize money across all stages:
| Round | ATP Points | WTA Points | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | 1000 | 1000 | $1,201,125 |
| Finalist | 650 | 650 | $638,750 |
| Semi-finalists | 400 | 390 | $354,850 |
| Quarter-finalists | 200 | 215 | $202,000 |
| 4th Round | 100 | 120 | $110,250 |
| 3rd Round | 50 | 65 | $64,500 |
| 2nd Round | 30 | 35 | $37,650 |
| 1st Round | 10 | 10 | $25,375 |
Celebrities at Indian Wells 2025
Indian Wells is not just a tennis festival—it’s also a celebrity hotspot. Expect to see film stars like Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Yvonne Orji, Ben Stiller, and Gwen Stefani in attendance. Stiller, in particular, has a unique history with the event. During the 2022 tournament, he became an unexpected part of the show when Nick Kyrgios hilariously dragged him into an argument with a fan.
