Top five players with most main draw appearances in men's singles at Indian Wells Open

Federer and Djokovic share the record for most titles at Indian Wells Open.

The BNP Paribas Open, held annually in March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, is a premier outdoor hardcourt tournament. The event is part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours and has often been called the Fifth Grand Slam.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden has the second-largest permanent tennis stadium in the world, behind the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. It is the first event of the Sunshine Double, preceding the Miami Open. However, with a stacked season, players are often forced to make tough decisions.

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Indian Wells Open‘s proximity to the hard-court competitions in Qatar and Dubai, along with simultaneous clay-court tournaments in South America—such as the Rio Open and Chile Open—poses a significant challenge for players aiming to stay fit while preparing for the demanding ATP-1000 event.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five male players with the most main-draw singles appearances at the Indian Wells Open.

5. Andy Murray – 16

Andy Murray‘s best run in California came in 2009 when he qualified for the finals but lost to Rafael Nadal. With a 31-16 record at the desert throughout the 16 editions he has played here, the British No. 1 may feel he could have achieved more given his talent. While he was unable to win as a player, Murray will hope to pursue this incomplete milestone as Djokovic’s coach.

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4. Novak Djokovic – 16

In 2025, five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic set to make his 16th appearance at the tournament, equalling Andy Murray’s record. After a runner-up finish to Rafael Nadal in 2007, Djokovic clinched his first Indian Wells title in 2008 by defeating Mardy Fish.

Djokovic achieved a remarkable three-peat from 2014 to 2016, overcoming Roger Federer twice in the finals. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic now has the opportunity to surpass Federer’s joint record of five Indian Wells titles, aiming for a sixth championship in the desert, despite his last victory there dating back to 2016.

3. Feliciano López – 18

Despite not winning any titles in Tennis Paradise, Feliciano Lopez holds the joint record for the most times he played in the desert. In 2021, the Spaniard broke Federer’s record for most Masters 1000 events played. Indian Wells was the 139th Masters 1000 event Lopez has played, highlighting his stunning longevity and dedication.

Lopez has played Indian Wells 18 times, Miami 18 times, Monte Carlo 12 times, Madrid 17 times, Rome 15 times, Canada 14 times, Cincinnati 15 times, Shanghai 9 times, and Paris 16 times, as well as Hamburg 5 times when it was a Masters 1000 stop.

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2. Andre Agassi – 18

Andre Agassi has the joint most appearances yet managed to win the title once despite reaching three finals. He made his final debut at the ATP-1000 event in 1990, but lost to Stefan Edberg in an intensely close match with the scoreline reading 6–4, 5–7, 7–6(7–1), 7–6(8–6).

In 1995, Pete Sampras defended his title by defeating fellow American in straight sets. Finally, in 2001 Agassi avenged his 1995 defeat to claim a maiden title at Tennis Paradise. That was the last time the two Americans featured in the final of Indian Wells.

1. Roger Federer – 18

Having competed 18 times in the desert, Roger Federer has cemented his legacy in Indian Wells history with numerous records. Although he shares the record for most titles with Novak Djokovic, the Swiss icon is the only player to have reached nine finals, including three consecutive ones.

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As of March 2025, Federer remains the oldest Indian Wells champion and holds the record for the most match wins (66), having triumphed in 87% of his 76 matches—a testament to his stunning consistency.

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