Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and other elite players are preparing to compete for the BNP Paribas Open 2026 title in Indian Wells, California. Alcaraz, having secured victories at the Australian Open and Qatar Open this year, aims to defend his reputation as a two-time champion of this desert tournament, winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Naomi Osaka returns to the court here for the first time since withdrawing from the Australian Open due to injury, while Novak Djokovic makes his tournament debut this year after narrowly missing a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Player Practice Sessions Scheduled Before the Tournament
As anticipation builds, players are dedicating time to practice and refine their games in varying styles—some training solo, others working alongside practice partners. On Monday, March 2, fans will witness a mix of individual drills and practice matches at Indian Wells ahead of the competition. Carlos Alcaraz’s session will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Stadium 1, followed by Novak Djokovic practicing on the same court from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka will practice alongside Zheng Qiwen on Practice Court 2, focusing on tactical play. Other notable players including Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, Ben Shelton, and Alex de Minaur are slated to participate in friendly matches on Stadium 2 during the morning hours, showcasing a blend of strategy and skill.
Live Streaming Details for Practice Sessions at Indian Wells
The full lineup of practice activities begins at 9:00 a.m. local time on March 2 and continues throughout the day. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide can watch the sessions live via the official BNP Paribas Open YouTube channel, gaining an exclusive preview of the players’ preparations before the main draw kicks off. This live stream provides a unique window into the efforts of these top-ranked athletes as they strive to fine-tune their performances under competitive conditions.
Significance of the Return and Upcoming Matches
Naomi Osaka’s return to Indian Wells is particularly notable because she won her first WTA 1000 title at this event in 2018, making it a meaningful venue for her comeback. Meanwhile, Djokovic seeks to regain momentum after his recent setback in Australia, and Alcaraz aims to continue his dominant run this season. The practice sessions serve as a critical step for all players to address weaknesses and build confidence, setting the stage for a highly contested tournament. Fans can expect intense competition as these resilient athletes chase the prestigious BNP Paribas Open crown.
