Eugenie Bouchard: Indian Wells is an ideal stage for Ben Shelton to fly U.S. flag
A strong group of American men will take on Tennis Paradise; can Shelton capture a second Masters title to kick off the Sunshine Swing?
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open is just around the corner—main-draw action kicks off Wednesday, March 4—and all eyes are on the top players as they descend on Tennis Paradise.
Tennis Channel’s team of analyst handicapped the field and made their picks of all the must-watch players heading into the Sunshine Swing.
1. Which player are you most excited to see play in Tennis Paradise?
2. Which player is most likely to kickstart their 2026 season in Indian Wells?
3. Which AO champion is more likely to win Indian Wells: Alcaraz or Rybakina?
Next up: Which American man will have the best result in Tennis Paradise?
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EUGENIE BOUCHARD
Ben Shelton. The evolution of his game has been so impressive and he often plays his best at the biggest events. With Indian Wells looking like the biggest U.S. tournament behind the US Open itself, Tennis Paradise is an ideal stage for Shelton, who already won a first Masters 1000 title in Canada last summer.
BRETT HABER
Tommy Paul. After struggling with injuries for much of last season, Paul seems to be back at full strength with a strong start to 2026. His Delray Beach win over Taylor Fritz—the only American man to win Indian Wells since Andre Agassi in 2001—was certainly a statement about his readiness to return to the Top 10—and beyond.
SAM QUERREY
Tommy Paul. Tommy’s clearly eager to get himself back in the mix after losing ground to Fritz and Shelton in the back half of 2025. Back to full health in Australia, he played great to reach the second week and gave Carlos Alcaraz all he could handle over three close sets in the fourth round. If he’s healthy and playing well, he just may be the most dangerous American man in the field.
PAUL ANNACONE
Taylor Fritz. Total transparency: how can i go against my man in his hometown tournament? A tournament he’s the only one of his countrymen to have won before, no less.
NICK MONROE
Ben Shelton. He’s my pick to make a run due to the tournament’s unique combination of surface speed. The way the ball can jump and zip in these conditions should help Shelton’s already-phenomenal lefty serve be even more dangerous—and encourage him to come forward more often.