Carlos Alcaraz is setting his sights on becoming only the third man to win three consecutive Indian Wells titles, joining tennis legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in this exclusive club. However, standing in his way could be none other than Djokovic himself, a five-time Indian Wells champion and potential quarter-final opponent.The ATP Masters 1000 tournament begins on Wednesday, running alongside the WTA 1000 event, with the world's top players converging in California’s desert. Despite the historic significance of a possible Indian Wells treble, the second-seeded Alcaraz insists he won’t let pressure affect his game."I will try not to think about it," Alcaraz said in a pre-tournament press conference. "Every time I come here, I enjoy it so much—practicing, playing. Everything feels easy. I will just try to flow and see how things go."
 

Alcaraz’s Road to the Indian Wells Title

Alcaraz, coming off a quarter-final defeat at the Qatar Open, enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed, behind Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who recently finished runner-up at the Australian Open to Jannik Sinner.Sinner, however, will be absent from the tournament after accepting a three-month ban due to a doping case involving traces of Clostebol, which authorities linked to an unintentional exposure during a physiotherapy treatment.Despite Sinner's absence, Alcaraz remains focused on the tournament challenge ahead."Jannik’s not playing, but there are still so many of the best players in the world competing here," he said. "The draw is open, and I’m focused on my game."Alcaraz’s potential quarter-final opponent, Novak Djokovic, is seeking a record-extending sixth Indian Wells title. Djokovic holds a 5-3 career head-to-head lead over Alcaraz, including a four-set victory in their Australian Open quarter-final clash earlier this year.
 

Key Players and Matchups at Indian Wells 2025

Novak Djokovic’s Draw:
Djokovic, the No. 1 seed, has received a first-round bye like all seeded players. His second-round match could be against Nick Kyrgios, the Australian star making a comeback. Kyrgios will open against a qualifier, setting up a potential blockbuster early showdown with Djokovic.

Top Contenders for the Title:

• Alexander Zverev (No. 1 seed): Chasing his first Indian Wells title after an impressive Australian Open run.
• Taylor Fritz (No. 3 seed): The 2022 Indian Wells champion is aiming for another deep run on home soil.
• Casper Ruud (No. 4 seed): The Norwegian will look to make his mark in the hardcourt event.
• Daniil Medvedev (No. 5 seed): A two-time runner-up to Alcaraz at Indian Wells, he will be eager to break the streak.

Meanwhile, the first round will see rising Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca—a wild card entrant and ATP title winner in Buenos Aires—facing Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who has climbed from outside the top 500 to world No. 81 in just a year.With Alcaraz chasing history, Djokovic returning, and new stars emerging, Indian Wells 2025 is shaping up to be a must-watch ATP Masters 1000 tournament.