By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Thursday, February 27, 2025
Photo credit: Frey/TPN/Getty
The stunning Indian Wells Tennis Garden holds a special place in the heart of Carlos Alcaraz.
According to Hall of Famer Lindsay Davenport, fans can expect Alcaraz to work his magic in Tennis Paradise next month.
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Alcaraz made waves in 2024, defeating top contenders Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev to become the first man since Novak Djokovic in 2016 to defend the BNP Paribas Open title.
Next week marks the beginning of Alcaraz’s ambitious journey to become only the third player, alongside Roger Federer and Djokovic, to achieve a three-peat at Indian Wells.
During a Tennis Channel conference call aimed at promoting their comprehensive coverage starting this Wednesday, Davenport outlined three compelling reasons why Alcaraz is the frontrunner for yet another title.
1. **Confidence**—Alcaraz enters the 2025 BNP Paribas Open riding a remarkable 12-match winning streak at Indian Wells, boasting victories over his strongest rivals.
2. **Conditions**—The slower, more textured court surface allows Alcaraz to take his time setting up shots and unleashing his powerful forehand.
3. **Competition**—With world No. 1 Sinner unavailable due to a three-month suspension while addressing WADA’s appeal regarding his doping case, and world No. 2 Zverev reeling from recent losses, Alcaraz finds himself in a favorable position.
Additionally, with Djokovic grappling with a torn left leg muscle that limited his participation after the Australian Open, he has only managed to compete in one match since.
“Although he’s seeded second, right behind Zverev… I don’t predict any significant ranking points shifting this week… he’s undoubtedly the favorite based on his previous performances,” Davenport remarked. “Without Sinner in the mix, that only strengthens his case.
“He possesses that captivating quality that draws fans to the stadium, eager to witness his remarkable shot-making and the extraordinary level he brings to the court. There’s something special about him, and tennis is lucky to have his talent in our sport.
“The current playing surface offers him the luxury of time to execute his forehands perfectly and set up those crafty drop shots. The ball remains consistent, allowing him to maintain power even as the conditions tighten up in the cooler evening hours.
“Without a doubt, I see him as my top pick to win this year’s men’s title.”
