The potential for a Rafael Nadal vs. Daniil Medvedev semifinal showdown. A blockbuster Naomi Osaka-Sloane Stephens first-round matchup. A full-capacity crowd. And a relaxed desert vibe to go with it all.
It’s been three years (!) since the BNP Paribas Open has been played during its normally scheduled slot on the tennis calendar, but the event is back to its traditional March date — and the main draw is set to get underway on Wednesday in Indian Wells, California.
The tournament was the first event of the 2020 tennis season to be canceled due to the pandemic, and the 2021 staging of the event was postponed until October.
In 2022, though, trust us when we say there is a lot to be excited about — even with the absence of many big names. With stars and storylines to go around, here’s what you need to know entering what many refer to as the year’s “fifth major.”
Ukrainian, Russian and Belarussian players in the draw
With so many players from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, the Russian invasion of Ukraine will remain a central focus in Indian Wells, as it has throughout the world.
Many of the Ukrainian players have been vocal about what’s happening in their native country, and pleaded for support from the tennis community and governing bodies. Elina Svitolina initially withdrew from her first match at the Monterrey Open last week because she was playing Russian player Anastasia Potapova. She asked for players from Russia and Belarus to be recognized as “neutral athletes,” and said she wouldn’t play any player from either country until such action was taken.
In response to such pleas, the WTA and ATP, as well as the Grand Slams and the International Tennis Federation, announced they would allow players from Russia and Belarus to participate but would not be playing under their countries names or flags. Svitolina ultimately played her match against Potapova, wearing the Ukrainian flag colors of blue and yellow, and her emotional reaction following her victory went viral.
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Source : espn
