Medvedev & Tien Lead Indian Wells Doubles Draw | ATP Tour

The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells next month is set to showcase a compelling blend of singles and doubles talent, with a star-studded doubles draw already taking shape. Several top singles players have entered the competition, including Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien, Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda, and Alex de Minaur alongside John Peers.

A Budding Rivalry on Display

The pairing of Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien is particularly noteworthy, given their recent competitive history. The two have met four times since the start of the 2025 season, with Tien currently leading their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 3-1. Tien shared that the partnership came together somewhat spontaneously, initiated by a last-minute communication between coaches, and expressed their intention to simply enjoy the experience.

Did You Know? Six of the Top 10 players in the PIF ATP Rankings are entered into the doubles field at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells.

Alternates and Potential Upsets

While many top players are directly accepted into the draw, others will be vying for a spot through the alternate list. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner and Reilly Opelka currently hold alternate positions, needing a wild card to participate due to their combined ranking of 71. Sinner has a 26-25 tour-level doubles record, and previously won a doubles title with Opelka in Atlanta in 2021.

Alexander Zverev and Marcelo Melo are also alternates, having reached a Masters 1000 final together in Monte-Carlo in 2024. Ben Shelton and Emilio Nava will also require a wild card to enter the competition.

Defending Champions and Established Teams

The tournament will also feature several established doubles pairings. Australian Open champions Christian Harrison and Neal Skupski will compete, as will Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, and the defending Indian Wells champions, Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic.

Expert Insight: The participation of top singles players in the doubles draw adds an unpredictable element to the tournament. While these players may not have the same level of doubles specialization as regular pairings, their overall skill and competitive drive could make them formidable opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are some of the confirmed doubles teams for the BNP Paribas Open?

Confirmed teams include Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien, Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda, and Alex de Minaur and John Peers.

Which players are currently alternates for the doubles draw?

Jannik Sinner and Reilly Opelka, Alexander Zverev and Marcelo Melo, and Ben Shelton and Emilio Nava are currently listed as alternates.

Who are the defending champions of the BNP Paribas Open doubles tournament?

Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic are the defending champions.

With a mix of established doubles teams and intriguing singles pairings, the BNP Paribas Open promises a competitive and exciting doubles tournament. Will the singles stars make a deep run in the doubles draw, or will the seasoned doubles specialists prevail?