Indian Wells Open 2024: Complete Predictions for Men’s and Women’s Draw

The Indian Wells Open main draw lasts from March 6 to 17. This tournament, which takes place in the United States, is often hailed as the calendar’s fifth Grand Slam. With a lineup of 96 contenders in both the men’s and women’s draws, the competition promises to be a battleground for the ultimate title.

Novak Djokovic is making a much-anticipated return to the courts after a five-month hiatus. The Serbian player has not been present since 2019, mainly due to coronavirus restrictions.

Nole has won the title five times and keeps the record together with Roger Federer. After his absence, he will be motivated to clinch a sixth title, making history at Indian Wells.

Last time I played on this beautiful court it was 2019. Feels like it was yesterday. Amazing to be back at #TennisParadise 😃 can’t wait for tournament to start! Let’s go 💪➡️🎾 #idemooo pic.twitter.com/UmJ4gUBB6z
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 5, 2024

The most positive news for tennis fans worldwide will be Rafael Nadal’s return. The Spanish powerhouse was sidelined for the entire 2023 season due to an injury. He was to participate in the Australian Open but was forced to withdraw.

Nadal played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz to warm up for Indian Wells.

Although Nadal lost to the youngster after a nail-biting finish, with scores of 3-6, 6-4, and 14-12, Nadal’s return is eagerly awaited.

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Alcaraz will hope to defend his title, but his recent form has been a mixed bag. Due to an ankle injury, the Spaniard was forced to retire against Thiago Monteiro at the Rio Open.

Jannik Sinner is on a fantastic run. After winning the Australian Open and adding another feather to his cap in Rotterdam, he is certainly one of the main favourites to reach the final.

Tournament Info

Dates: March 6-17
Site: Indian Wells Tennis Garde
Location: Indian Wells, California
Last men’s final: Spanish Carlos Alcaraz def. Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2
Last women’s final: Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina def. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 7-6, 6-3

Men’s Prediction, Odds

Pick: Novak Djokovic to Win the Tournament
Odds: +167 (Tonybet)

After the surprising defeat against Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic has not played a single tournament. The Italian delivered an impeccable performance against the Serbian, showing that he is not as invincible as one might think.

Thank you Rotterdam! I always enjoy my time here, a great week and amazing support. Another awesome battle @alexdeminaur 👊🏼
Forza 🦊✌️#12 pic.twitter.com/kLvdS7QdLy
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) February 18, 2024

However, Nole will try to bounce back as soon as possible. Based on his mental fortitude and capabilities, Novak is one of the main contenders at Indian Wells. He has a relatively easy draw until the quarterfinals, potentially crossing rackets with either Hubert Hurkacz or Casper Ruud. In the semi-finals, he could face Daniil Medvedev or even Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic thrives on hard courts, underscored by his record-breaking total of 11 titles at the Australian Open. Despite being 36, the Serbian shows in every match that his flexibility and ability to chase down every ball have not diminished.

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— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 3, 2024

We could never write off Rafael Nadal. Although the Spaniard is already in the twilight of his career—and has hinted this might be his final season on the professional tour—he can still win the tournament. In the first round, Nadal will face Milos Raonic, another player who has struggled with injuries in his career.

Both Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner are touted as strong contenders. They have a relatively easy draw and could potentially end up in the final.

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— Meddy Family 🐻 (@dmedvedevfans) March 5, 2024

As for Carlos Alcaraz, I think that after winning the Wimbledon title, he experienced a dip in form. At just 20 years old, he has already won two Grand Slams, so there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Women’s Prediction, Odds

Pick: Aryna Sabalenka to Win the Tournament
Odds: +346 (Tonybet)

After winning back-to-back titles in Melbourne, Aryna Sabalenka will be on a quest to add another tournament to her tally. The Belarusian player has never won Indian Wells, but judging by her form, she is a major candidate to grab the crown.

Elena Rybakina is the defending champion. She has never managed to defend a title in her career, but this will be a perfect opportunity for her based on her easy draw.

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🇰🇿 Elena #Rybakina is crowned CHAMPION in #AbuDhabi after a brilliant win 6-1 6-4 against Daria Kasatkina 😍
It’s Elena’s 7th WTA Title, and her 2nd of the year. What a year she’s having 🥰🥳 pic.twitter.com/9uhl5oxYEv
— Elena Rybakina Fan page (@ElenaRybakina2) February 11, 2024

Similar to Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams is marking her return to the tour. Williams, 43, is approaching the end of her professional career and will be determined to leave a lasting impact on the Indian Wells Masters. Despite the influx of younger talents and emerging stars, Williams’s experience and determination could see her make a deep run in the tournament.

Coco Gauff, a prodigious talent, is among the top picks for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters. Although she lost in the semi-final match against Aryna Sabalenka, the 19-year-old starlet still has an entire career ahead of her. With her dynamic play, you can expect entertaining matches from Gauff.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek was the Indian Wells champion in 2022.