Indian Wells 2026. Women's draw analysis: Everyone wants Andreeva's crown

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A year later, the Indian Wells WTA 1000 reappears on our tennis calendar. Just moments ago, the draw for the bracket was conducted, with Aryna Sabalenka emerging as the favorite, although there is always room for surprises.

This is where key figures like Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, or Victoria Mboko come into play, figures that should liven up the tournament at this Indian Wells 2026 WTA 1000. We will also discuss Mirra Andreeva, of course, although the Russian is not in her best form to defend her title. What about the Spanish players? Where will their limits be this time? Let's review the paths of the top female tennis players and at what point the steep curves could lead each one.

FIRST QUADRANT

• Potential opponents for Aryna Sabalenka: Bye / Alycia Parks / Maya Joint / Naomi Osaka / Amanda Anisimova / Cori Gauff / Iga Swiatek

Here we go with the first quadrant, where Aryna Sabalenka stands out as the major rival to beat, although this tournament still eludes her (two lost finals). Ahead are world-class opponents like Naomi Osaka (2018 champion), Victoria Mboko, or Amanda Anisimova to hinder her path to the semifinals. Sometimes a stumbling block can appear when you least expect it. We highlight the presence of Sloane Stephens, who will be playing with a WC after going through a delicate personal moment, as well as the return of Emma Raducanu, always one to keep an eye on.

SECOND QUADRANT

• Potential opponents for Cori Gauff: Bye / Bianca Andreescu / Alexandra Eala / Linda Noskova / Jasmine Paolini / Aryna Sabalenka / Iga Swiatek

Moving on to the second quadrant, dominated by Cori Gauff, but not the best Cori Gauff. We are still waiting for the premium version of the American this season, which has not shown up yet. Will it happen at Indian Wells? Only once did she pass the semifinals here, so we might be facing that key where a tournament surprise could happen. Paolini? Alexandrova? Shnaider? You won't find any names to inspire confidence among the reclassified. In the following group, Jessica Bouzas and Paula Badosa will have to start their journey from the first round, although in the best-case scenario, they might not face each other until hypothetical quarterfinals.

THIRD QUADRANT

• Potential opponents for Elena Rybakina: Bye / Hailey Baptiste / Marta Kostyuk / Madison Keys / Jessica Pegula / Iga Swiatek / Aryna Sabalenka

The fire ignites in this third section of the bracket with the presence of Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, or Belinda Bencic, three women in very good form. Cristina Bucsa, the recent champion from Mérida, will make her debut against a player from the qualifying rounds, just like Venus Williams, who received a wildcard entry from the tournament. The Kazakh has once again become a very reliable force on this surface, although the hot conditions could challenge her good form. Here, unlike the previous quadrant, the logic of the rankings should prevail.

FOURTH QUADRANT

• Potential opponents for Iga Swiatek: Bye / Emerson Jones / Maria Sakkari / Karolina Muchova / Elina Svitolina / Elena Rybakina / Aryna Sabalenka

We conclude with the bracket of Iga Swiatek, although it's actually the one of Mirra Andreeva, the defending champion. The Russian defends her crown and will face Stearns or Sierra in her debut, a cautious start. Elina Svitolin and Karolina Muchova are geared up to thwart her path, although we know that Swiatek won here in 2022 and 2024, so we expect to see her advance deep in the draw. Maria Sakkari could join the party, but it's Lili Tagger whom the romantics want to see. Haven't heard of her yet? Watch a match and then let me know.

So, that's how the women's draw for Indian Wells 2026 looks like, now it's your turn. Come on, everyone, share your thoughts in the comments on what the final will be and who will emerge as the champion.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Indian Wells 2026. Análisis cuadro femenino: Todas quieren la corona de Andreeva