Sports
BNP Paribas Open Roundup: Early Upsets and Strong Starts Highlight Opening Matches in Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open is underway in Indian Wells, and the first round of matches has already delivered several notable results as players begin their runs through the draw.
Spain’s Paula Badosa, who won the tournament in 2021, was knocked out in the opening round after falling to Yulia Putintseva. After dropping the first set 6-4, Putintseva rallied to take the match in straight sets, closing it out 6-2 in the second set after an hour and 23 minutes of play.
Badosa struggled with consistency during the match, committing 47 unforced errors.
Putintseva credited Badosa’s competitiveness after the win, noting that every game required a fight to close out the match.
On the men’s side, American Reilly Opelka advanced after defeating fellow American Ethan Quinn in two tight sets. Opelka’s powerful serve played a key role in the victory, as he recorded 14 aces and 25 winners.
The 28-year-old is making his return to the ATP Tour after missing about a month with an injury. He will now face eighth-seeded Ben Shelton in what is expected to be a highly anticipated second-round matchup.
Meanwhile, Zeynep Sonmez also moved on with a commanding win over American McCartney Kessler. Sonmez finished the match with a dominant 6-0 second set.
Her next opponent will be five-time major champion Iga Swiatek.
NBC Palm Springs is partnering with the Tennis Channel to bring viewers highlights and coverage from the BNP Paribas Open throughout the tournament.
Fans can watch matches daily on the Tennis Channel or stream coverage online.
The BNP Paribas Open continues in Indian Wells through March 15.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 4, 2026
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