Before the first ball is struck in Indian Wells, form tells a story. We ranked the top contenders by their 2026 season results heading into the BNP Paribas Open.
🔥 1. Carlos Alcaraz — Perfect Season
2026 record: 12-0
The numbers speak for themselves. Alcaraz arrived in Indian Wells having not lost a single match in 2026. He completed the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open and then won the Doha ATP 500 title. The defending champion enters as the clear form favourite — and the clear favourite overall.
✅ 2. Daniil Medvedev — Two Titles
2026 record: Strong
Medvedev arrived in Indian Wells having already won two titles in 2026 — the strongest return among the top players outside of Alcaraz. His journey to Indian Wells was anything but smooth — he was stranded in Dubai during the Iran-Israel conflict and had to travel by car to Oman before flying to the US. But once on court, Medvedev has looked sharp and focused.
✅ 3. Ben Shelton — Title in Dallas
2026 record: Strong
Shelton won the Dallas title in 2026, defeating compatriot Taylor Fritz in the process. The American eighth seed enters on home soil full of confidence and has been one of the most consistent performers on hard court this season.
⚠️ 4. Jannik Sinner — Solid but Inconsistent
2026 record: 7-2
Sinner enters with a 7-2 record — solid on paper but far below the standards he set in 2024 and early 2025. His two losses are significant — to Đoković in the Australian Open semifinals and to Mensik in the Qatar Open quarterfinals. The world number two is clearly not at his absolute peak but remains dangerous. Indian Wells is a tournament he has never won — and one he is desperate to add to his collection.
⚠️ 5. Jack Draper — Returning from Injury
2026 record: Limited
The defending champion missed the Australian Open due to an arm injury and arrives in Indian Wells on the comeback trail. His R64 win over Bautista — coming back from a set down — was an encouraging sign. He is not at full fitness but Draper is mentally tough and capable of a deep run even at 70%.
⚠️ 6. Novak Đoković — Rust Factor
2026 record: Australian Open finalist
Đoković arrives having played no matches since the Australian Open final in January — a gap of over six weeks. His run to the Melbourne final was exceptional but Indian Wells is a different beast. Five-time champion on this court, he knows the conditions well. The question is whether match sharpness will be an issue in the early rounds.
❌ 7. Taylor Fritz — Slow Start
2026 record: Final in Dallas, losses to Shelton and Paul
Fritz has had a difficult start to 2026. Despite reaching the Dallas final, losses to Shelton and Paul have raised questions about his consistency. The 2022 Indian Wells champion will be motivated on home soil but arrives without the form of previous seasons.
🔮 Form Verdict
| Player | 2026 Form | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Alcaraz C. | 12-0, 2 titles | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Medvedev D. | 2 titles | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Shelton B. | 1 title, Dallas | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Sinner J. | 7-2 | 🔥🔥🔥 |
| Draper J. | Returning injury | 🔥🔥 |
| Đoković N. | AO finalist, 6 weeks off | 🔥🔥 |
| Fritz T. | Slow start | 🔥 |
On form alone, Alcaraz is in a class of his own in 2026. But in Indian Wells, form is only part of the story.
For the full draw and results, visit our Indian Wells 2026 Hub.
For the complete 2026 ATP season schedule, visit our ATP Tennis Calendar 2026.