INSIDE TENNIS

Writer Scott Ostler has stepped aside. My favorite Ostler tennis line came after Martina Navratilova lost her dog: “Martina was beside herself — which, come to think of it, would make a hell of a doubles team.”

A GOOD DAY FOR SINNERS IN CALIFORNIA: Jannik Sinner wins the crystal glass trophy in Indian Wells, and the movie Sinners takes home four golden statuettes in L.A. #BNPParibas #Oscars

CRAZY GOOD! Aryna Sabalenka on the intensity that fuels her: “Sometimes my emotions are crazy, but that’s who I am.” #BNPParibasOpen

Indian Wells delivers thunderous classic. Sabalenka vs. Rybakina. Aryna saves championship point & seals stunning comeback win. Tennis at full roar @BNPParibasOpen. Our story. insidetennis.com/2026/03/sabale…

Last year, another African American, Asia Muhammad, teamed with the Netherlands Demi Schuurs, to win the Indian Wells doubles championships.

Since Serena won Indian Wells in 2001—just before the Williams family’s 14-year boycott—no African-American had won a singles or doubles title here until Taylor Townsend’s feel good women’s doubles win today. Chanda Rubin won doubles in 1996. #BNPParibasOpen

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Learner Tien was last US man standing/youngest IW quarterfinalist since coach Chang & scored Top-10 win over Shelton/Today Sinner offered 6-1, 6-2 rite of passage, reality check. Still Tien at career-hi No. 21. Pegula now lone American left. #BNPParibasOpen

#DJOKOVIC falls falls to Jack Draper in epic 3-set #IndianWells instant classic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) at #BNPParibasOpen My in-depth appreciation of Novak the 38-year old wonder who defies time. The Blade and the Hand. insidetennis.com/2026/01/novak-…

LOVE - TENNIS STYLE: Norrie proposed by an African waterhole w crocs nearby. Pat McEnroe faked a ski injury before asking the big question. Legend has it Kim Clijsters hurt her wrist lifting the giant ring Hewitt gave her. Venus’ advice: Marriage is tough, you have to listen.

Two tiebreaks. A roaring crowd. And a teenager who pushed Sinner to the edge at the #BNPParibasOpen. In February I spoke with João Fonseca about Federer, meditation, maturity & the expectations surrounding him. My interview with the Boy from Ipanema. insidetennis.com/2026/03/the-bo…

A Brazilian takes on a Sinner. Venus partners a Christian. A hint of theology in the desert. Translation: João Fonseca vs. Jannik Sinner tomorrow at 6 p.m., while Venus Williams will play mixed doubles with Christian Harrison at the #BNPParibasOpen.

"Alcaraz & Sinner could win 20 Slams in a row and that's not crazy to say that." – Sam Querrey @BNPParibasOpen

2022 #IndianWells champ Tayor Fritz falls to fellow Californian Alex Michelsen and 2025 Champ Mirra Andreeva loses to Kateřina Siniaková at #BNPParibasOpen - Djokovic reaches 4th rd. for 1x since 2017, will play 2025 Champ Draper. Norrie, Hijikata & Pegula also win.

COCO OUT: After losing 7 games in row to Eala, Gauff withdraws when down 6-2, 2-0. Alexendra the Great thru to 3rd rd. at #BNPParibasOpen #IndianWells

#INDIANWELLS NOTEBOOK: Gael, Gusts and Gab The Glory of Gael Monfils, Alexandra the Great, Venus in the Desert, the Winds of War and a New Baker in Town. insidetennis.com/2026/03/47318/

The internet proclaimed #IndianWells the stage of scene-stealing phenom Alexandra Eala. Filipino flags waved on Court 3 tonight as she battled Diana Yastremska. The faithful were loud—but plenty of empty seats stared back.

At #IndianWells Russian Anna Blinkova took the opener 7–5. Then, in the Blinkova of an eye, Amanda Anisimova flipped the script—5–7, 6–1, 6–0. Raducanu next.

OF BOMBS & BASELINES: During the Iraq War, Becker chose silence in Melbourne — and later said he’d always regret it. Next morning: Baghdad bombed & he said, “People were dying while I warmed up for tennis. That’s insane.”

Taylor Townsend fell in the Austin final today. But her most important victories have come off the scoreboard — in her fearless reflections on race, culture, and the invisible weight Black players carry in tennis. Our story: docs.google.com/document/d/1TO…

THE WORLD AND TENNIS PARADISE: In 2003 Iraq War started days after Indian Wells ended. 2020 — COVID hit just before the tournament and it became one of the first global sports events canceled. Now — war in the Middle East. #IndianWells