2024 BNP Paribas Open: It’s Finals Day at Indian Wells

The American hardcourt swing is in full force as players from the ATP and WTA head to California to start the Sunshine Double. The tour begins with the 2024 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells before shifting to Miami. This has been dubbed the Fifth Grand Slam of the tennis calendar. Many of the big names from the ATP and WTA are in Palm Springs, California.

The 2024 BNP Paribas Open Finals are set on the tournament’s men’s and women’s sides. On the men’s side, it is a rematch from 2023, as Carlos Alcaraz will take on Daniil Medvedev. Last year, Alcaraz beat Medvedev to win the crown. Alcaraz is a win away from defending the crown, while Medvedev is trying to win at Indian Wells to clean up the hardcourt titles at the Master 1000 level.

On the women’s side, world number one Iga Swiatek will take on Maria Sakkari. Swiatek is looking to add another big title to her collection, while Sakkari, after a coaching change, is playing at the level she used. Sakkari is looking to add a big title to her collection.

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Carlos Alcaraz vs Daniil Medvedev: Alcaraz -250 Favorite

As with the semifinal match, Carlos Alcaraz will see a familiar face in the Final. The world number two will see Daniil Medvedev in the final. Alcaraz once again defeated Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. Again, Alcaraz needed three sets to win 1-6 6-3 6-2 to end Sinner’s 16-match winning streak. Now, the hardcourt specialist stands in his way of defending the title. Medvedev defeated Tommy Paul in three sets, 1-6 7-6 6-2. At one point in the second set, Medvedev was up 4-0 before winning in the tiebreak. Alcaraz is playing more of a thoughtful game and learning to control aggression. Medvedev is learning not to stand that far behind the baseline. Don’t be surprised to see Alcaraz bust out the drop shot to close out points, especially if Medvedev is far behind the baseline.

Iga Swiatek vs. Maria Sakkari: Medvedev: Swiatek – 650 favorite

The oddsmakers have Swiatek as the overwhelming favorite. She should be, as she is playing some of her best tennis to start the season. Her serve and forehand are on point. While her mind can wonder sometimes in points, there is no reason why she can’t handle Sakkari in the final. Swiatek leads the head-to-head 2-1 over Sakkari, winning the last two meetings, both in straight sets. Even the match that Sakkari won early on was in straight sets, but Swiatek is a different player than she was in 2021. Not to mention, Swiatek has not dropped a set en route to the final. There is a reason she is the best player on the women’s tour.

The Finals of the 2024 BNP Paribas Open gets underway this afternoon.