Top five title favourites in women's singles at Indian Wells Open 2025

Iga Swiatek is the defending champion of the Indian Wells Open.

The second most high-profile tournament of the new calendar year is upon us. The Indian Wells Open 2025 is slated to commence on March 2, with the women’s singles main draw starting on March 7. The WTA circuit has had an incredibly competitive first couple of months, with several new champions emerging.

The fact that no player has won multiple titles yet in 2025, despite several WTA-1000 and WTA-500 events, highlights the incredible depth and talent available in the current women’s singles field. Indian Wells will feature all top-ranked stars, and plenty of spicy encounters and match-ups are anticipated.

Also Read: Indian Wells Open 2025: All you need to know about prize money and points on offer

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five title favourites in women’s singles at the Indian Wells Open 2025.

5. Mirra Andreeva

The youngest WTA-1000 winner in the sport’s history arrives in California as one of the frontrunners for the title. Mirra Andreeva exceeded expectations to win the Dubai Tennis Championship 2025. She made history at the age of 17 by defeating a strong lineup, including Marketa Vondrousova, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Clara Tauson.

Also Read: Top five title favourites in men’s singles at Indian Wells Open 2025

4. Madison Keys

Australian Open 2025 champion Madison Keys returns to tennis after being away from action since her triumph at Melbourne Park. However, her heroics Down Under suggest that she is in the form of her life and would love to expand her cabinet.

Currently ranked number five, a solid showing at the Indian Wells could potentially see Keys challenge fellow companion Coco Gauff for the third spot in the WTA rankings.

3. Elena Rybakina

The 2023 BNP Paribas Open champion Elena Rybakina returns to the venue after missing out last year due to illness. The Kazakh has been tormented off the court due to the ongoing controversy about her former coach. However, Rybakina performed brilliantly in Dubai.

She held off Paula Badosa, saving six match points on her path to victory, but ultimately succumbed to eventual winner Andreeva in the semi-finals. Historically, Rybakina fares well in the Middle East, and the Indian Wells 2025 provides her the best chance to re-establish her authority and re-enter the top five WTA rankings.

Also Read: Top 10 players who have withdrawn from Indian Wells Open 2025

2. Iga Swiatek

Two-time Indian Wells winner Iga Swiatek was expected to be the favorite for the 2025 edition. However, the last-minute decision to change the nature of the courts from slowish hard courts to US Open-like fast courts puts the Polish at a disadvantage.

The World Number Two’s game is better suited for slow surfaces, highlighted by her remarkable Roland Garros record, as it gives Swiatek the extra second to aid her stroke making. Now, it will be interesting to see how Swiatek adapts, as the five-time Grand Slam winner is still in search of her first title of the new season.

1. Aryna Sabalenka

The World Number One, Aryna Sabalenka, started the 2025 calendar year with a bang as she triumphed at the Brisbane International. But a tight defeat to Keys in the final marked the beginning of a steep dip in form for the Belarusian. Poor outings at the Dubai and Qatar Open indicate Sabalenka’s growing concerns.

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The 26-year-old remains at the top despite recent performances but is preparing for a crucial few months. Sabalenka has yet to win the Indian Wells title and lost in the round of 16 last year to Emma Navarro.

With conditions in California expected to be similar to those at the US Open – where she triumphed in 2024 and finished as a finalist in 2023 – three-time Grand Slam champion will be eager to return to winning ways.

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