Indian Wells 2026: When could Jack Draper play Novak Djokovic? Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Emma Raducanu’s paths to final confirmed
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Defending champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva return to the desert aiming to repeat last year’s triumphs, while stars including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka now know the obstacles standing between them and the prestigious title.
Draper Faces Early Djokovic Showdown
British No. 1 Jack Draper enters Indian Wells as the reigning men’s champion but with a lower seeding after injury setbacks earlier this season. The 14th seed, who returned from an arm problem in Dubai following his Australian Open withdrawal, could be on a fourth-round collision course with Novak Djokovic.
Both players receive first-round byes, meaning Draper may need to navigate past Fabian Marozsan or Roberto Bautista Agut, and potentially 19th seed Francisco Cerundolo, before a possible blockbuster clash with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic, who is playing a reduced schedule as he targets a historic 25th major, opens against either Kamil Majchrzak or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, with a third-round meeting against Corentin Moutet looming.
Last year, Draper lifted the biggest title of his career in Indian Wells, defeating Holger Rune in the final after eliminating Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz en route to the trophy.
Alcaraz and Sinner on Opposite Sides Again
Carlos Alcaraz headlines the top half of the draw. The Spaniard, already a two-time champion in California, could face Grigor Dimitrov or Terence Atmane in his opening match before a possible third-round test against Arthur Rinderknech.
Casper Ruud, Valentin Vacherot, Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie are all potential opponents as Alcaraz eyes another deep run. With Djokovic and Draper in the same half, a semi-final showdown could await if seeds hold.
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner benefits from being placed in the opposite half of the draw. The Italian could meet Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round, though the Argentine must first overcome Stefanos Tsitsipas or Denis Shapovalov.
Alexander Zverev, seeded fourth, cannot meet Sinner before the semi-finals. Other threats in the Italian’s section include Tommy Paul, Karen Khachanov, Joao Fonseca and rising Czech talent Jakub Mensik.
Raducanu’s Tough Road in Women’s Draw
Emma Raducanu returns to Indian Wells following her coaching split with Francis Roig and is reportedly working again with Mark Petchey. After a runner-up finish at the Transylvania Open and early exits in the Middle East, the Brit will hope for renewed momentum in California.
She could face in-form Amanda Anisimova in the third round, while Anna Kalinskaya and Victoria Mboko are potential fourth-round opponents. A daunting quarter-final lineup includes Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka and rising star Iva Jovic.
Sabalenka, Gauff and Swiatek Eye Desert Glory
Aryna Sabalenka begins her first tournament since her Australian Open final defeat and could face Naomi Osaka or Iva Jovic in a loaded quarter. Coco Gauff sits in the same half and may set up a semi-final clash with the Belarusian should both progress.
Jasmine Paolini is another major contender in Gauff’s section, while Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala could meet the American in the third round.
On the opposite side of the draw, Iga Swiatek is joined by Maria Sakkari, Karolina Muchova and Zheng Qinwen, with defending champion Mirra Andreeva and Elina Svitolina potentially waiting in the quarter-finals.
With multiple former champions, rising stars and Grand Slam winners scattered throughout both draws, Indian Wells 2026 promises two weeks of elite-level tennis and potential classic encounters in the California desert.
