Djokovic & Pegula Favored at Indian Wells

Published on Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 1:03 p.m.

Top Players Prepare for BNP Paribas Open

Indian Wells is set to host the world’s top tennis players as they begin competition at the BNP Paribas Open. Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula were among those practicing on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, ahead of the tournament.

Isner Predicts Djokovic and Pegula Will Prevail

Tennis analyst and podcast host John Isner has predicted that Novak Djokovic will win the men’s draw and Jessica Pegula will take the women’s title at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open. Isner shared his predictions with colleagues on the Nothing Major podcast.

I’m betting on the GOAT. My money is on Novak to win the title. He’s here, he trained at UCLA. He was at the Lakers game, without any worries. He’s not worried about this tournament. I bet on Novak, it’s possible. There are a lot of rest days in this tournament. It’s not going to be physically taxing for him. John Isner, via Nothing Major podcast

Isner also expressed confidence in Pegula’s chances, despite acknowledging the surface may not be her strongest suit.

For women, my bet is on Jess (Jessica Pegula). I don’t consider the surface particularly suits her, she prefers faster surfaces with less bounce, but she has a lot of confidence in herself. John Isner, via Nothing Major podcast

Pegula’s Recent Form

Jessica Pegula recently defeated Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-1, securing her seventh consecutive win and advancing to the round of 16 at Indian Wells. However, she was previously defeated by Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-5 in the third round.

The BNP Paribas Open promises exciting competition as these top players vie for the championship titles.

Did you understand? Naomi Osaka’s recent victory over Jessica Pegula marks her best tournament result since returning from maternity leave.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the BNP Paribas Open.