Jack Draper is set to launch his title defence at Indian Wells this week as the British number one returns to competitive action following a significant injury lay-off.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since an arm issue curtailed his 2025 campaign and subsequently delayed the start of his current season.
Draper enjoyed a breakout moment in the California desert last year, defeating Holger Rune in the final to claim his maiden Masters 1000 trophy.
Djokovic looms in draw
As the 14th seed, the defending champion receives a bye into the second round of the tournament.
However, a formidable challenge potentially awaits the Briton in the last 16 against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Draper will be hoping to replicate the form that saw him defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the 2025 semi-finals, where he recovered from a 6-0 second-set deficit.
Raducanu leads British charge
Emma Raducanu returns to the hard courts as the 25th seed in the women’s singles draw.
The former US Open champion has reunited with coach Mark Petchey and will debut a new kit partnership with Uniqlo after ending her association with Nike.
Cameron Norrie, the 2021 Indian Wells winner, joins the field as the 27th seed on the men’s side.
Elsewhere, unseeded compatriot Jacob Fearnley faces Damir Džumhur in the opening round on Thursday.
Fran Jones and Sonay Kartal begin their campaigns in round one, with world number two Iga Swiatek awaiting Jones if she advances.
Alcaraz and Sinner return
Carlos Alcaraz arrives in strong form after reclaiming the world number one ranking at the end of 2025.
The Spaniard recently secured his seventh major title at the Australian Open and is chasing a third triumph at the BNP Paribas Open.
World number two Jannik Sinner is also back in the field after missing last year’s edition due to a suspension.
In the women’s draw, Mirra Andreeva returns as the defending champion following her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in 2025.
Play at the Fujairah Challenger in the United Arab Emirates has been suspended after an air strike siren forced players and officials to flee the court for safety.
The match between Japan’s Hayato Matsuoka and Belarusian Daniil Ostapenkov was interrupted during the third set by the sound of the warning alarm.
Competitors rushed from the playing surface as officials shouted for them to seek immediate shelter.
Reports later emerged of a fire at the nearby Fujairah Oil Terminal following the interception of a hostile drone.
ATP confirms security alert
The governing body of men’s tennis confirmed the incident, stating that all personnel were moved to protected locations.
“Play at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Fujairah was suspended today following a security alert.”
The ATP statement emphasised that standard emergency protocols were enacted immediately.
“In line with established security protocols, play was immediately halted and players, officials and staff were directed to designated safe areas.”
Organisers have cancelled the remainder of the day’s schedule following consultation with local security advisors.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority.”
Travel disruption hits top stars
This incident occurs amid escalating conflict in the Middle East which has resulted in significant airspace closures.
Fujairah is a key port city located on the Gulf of Oman, approximately 120km from Dubai.
Several elite players are now facing logistical difficulties reaching California for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters.
Russian star Daniil Medvedev, who recently claimed the Dubai Championships title, remains delayed in the region along with compatriot Andrey Rublev.
Daniil Medvedev remains stranded in Dubai following his title victory after missile strikes in the region forced the suspension of all flights.
The world number four posted a video update after finding himself unable to leave the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
He had just claimed the Dubai Tennis Championships title on Saturday after opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew from the final.
However, military action in the Middle East has led to significant travel disruption across the region, closing airspace and grounding commercial aviation.
Uncertain wait for Indian Wells
Medvedev admitted the situation was “unusual” but insisted he remained calm despite the uncertainty surrounding his travel plans.
“The only thing that happens is the airspace is closed, of course,” he said in a video shared on social media.
“That is, no one knows when we will be able to take off. It is not clear whether it will last long or not.”
The 28-year-old is scheduled to compete at the Indian Wells Masters in California next week, the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.
While he has received a bye into the second round, giving him until Friday or Saturday to arrive, his preparation faces significant disruption.
‘Everything is kind of normal’
Despite the geopolitical tension surrounding the flight bans, the former US Open champion moved to reassure fans about his safety.
“I received a lot of messages from friends, acquaintances and everyone is worried, but in principle, I can say on my own behalf that everything is fine,” he added.
“They are gradually postponing the closure of the airport. As strange as it may sound, I’m very emotional on the court.”
“In life probably, it would help me to be a bit more emotional at some moments, so for me, everything is kind of normal and let’s say, natural.”
Medvedev is not the only figure from the tennis world currently unable to depart the Gulf state.
Reports indicate that numerous players, coaches and officials remain in the city, with tournament organisers extending accommodation support until the airspace reopens.
Latest updates suggest no flights will operate until at least Monday afternoon as the situation develops.
Spanish tennis player Nikolas Sanchez says he received death threats against himself and his family from gamblers demanding he fix a match in Argentina.
The 26-year-old was targeted shortly before a round-of-16 tie at an ATP Challenger event in Rosario earlier this month.
Sanchez revealed he was told he “would not get out of there alive” unless he deliberately lost the contest.
‘They had located my family’
The Barcelona native initially dismissed the text messages as a prank but realised the severity of the situation when the senders provided specific personal details.
Perpetrators sent the full names of his parents and brother, alongside their home address and his own government ID number.
“They invited me to secretly lose the match I was going to play but warned me not to say anything, otherwise my family would be kidnapped,” Sanchez told Punto de Break.
“They tell me that if I don’t comply with their demands, I won’t get out of there alive.”
Security measures enforced
Upon receiving the threats roughly 90 minutes before play, the world number 275 alerted his coach and authorities were immediately informed.
Sanchez was subsequently placed in isolation for three hours in the players’ room for his own safety.
The match eventually went ahead behind closed doors with a maximum security presence.
Despite the psychological distress, the Spaniard completed the match but fell to a 7-5 6-4 defeat against his Argentine opponent.
Sanchez admitted he considered withdrawing but felt compelled to play to secure necessary ranking points and prize money.
“I look around and search for someone who is laughing, thinking it’s a joke,” he added regarding the initial messages.
“My family suffering because of a tennis match? This cannot happen under any circumstances.”
Security measures at the Merida Open in Mexico have been increased following outbreaks of violence in the country, with British number one Katie Boulter among those competing.
The unrest was sparked by the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, which led to clashes in western parts of the nation.
Police presence has been bolstered around the tournament venue in the Yucatan State, although the region remains largely unaffected by the disorder.
WTA monitors situation closely
The governing body confirmed that additional precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators.
While the violence has primarily occurred in Jalisco and surrounding areas, officials in Merida have enhanced vigilance at official hotels and the tennis complex.
“The WTA is aware of security incidents reported in parts of western Mexico. The safety of players, staff, and spectators remains our top priority,” a statement read.
“The WTA tournament in Merida, located in the eastern part of the country, is operating as scheduled and there have been no reports of incidents in the region.”
Alongside the British Billie Jean King Cup star, the WTA 500 field includes top-20 players Jasmine Paolini and Emma Navarro.
Acapulco event dismisses cancellation rumours
A men’s ATP 500 tournament is also currently underway in Acapulco, situated on the Pacific coast.
German world number four Alexander Zverev headlines the draw, while Britons Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur have already exited the competition.
Organisers of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel issued a statement to deny “false” speculation circulating on social media suggesting the event had been called off.
“The tournament has not issued any cancellation notice,” organisers stated.
“The event will go on as scheduled and tournament operations will proceed as normal. We remain in coordination and in constant communication with federal, state and municipal authorities.”
Serena Williams is “100% certain” to make a return to professional tennis after ramping up her training intensity, claims her former coach Rick Macci.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not competed on the WTA Tour since bowing out at the 2022 US Open.
Although Williams previously announced she was “evolving away” from the sport, Macci insists the American icon is preparing for a competitive return to singles action.
Training intensity ramps up
Macci, who coached Williams and her sister Venus during their formative years in the early 1990s, shared his conviction with French publication L’Equipe.
He revealed that the 44-year-old has been testing herself against male sparring partners to regain match sharpness.
“She’s training with lots of sparring partners – guys,” the 71-year-old coach stated.
Macci also noted that the former world number one has been hitting with current tour professional Alycia Parks in South Florida.
“I have no doubt about it,” he added regarding the potential comeback.
‘Competitor at heart’
While Williams has previously sidestepped questions regarding a return, recent developments suggest a shift in mindset.
The seven-time Wimbledon winner recently rejoined the sport’s anti-doping testing pool, a mandatory requirement for any athlete wishing to enter professional tournaments.
Macci emphasised that this would not be a ceremonial return or a doubles-only venture.
“We’re not just talking about doubles here… she’s going all out,” he said.
“If she didn’t think she could compete with the best and win matches, she wouldn’t do it.”
The veteran coach suggested that next month’s events at Indian Wells or the Miami Open could be potential targets for her re-emergence.
Questions over durability
Despite his confidence in her desire to return, Macci acknowledged the physical challenges facing a player in their mid-40s.
“The question is whether that competitive spirit is still there,” he mused.
“She’s answering that question herself: she’s coming back because she is a competitor at heart.”
However, he warned that sustained performance across a tournament week remains the biggest hurdle.
“Making an appearance, playing an exhibition match or a match is one thing,” Macci concluded.
“Doing it again the next day and the day after that, and performing well day after day is another.”
Williams’ representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the claims.
Carlos Alcaraz produced a ruthless display to thrash Arthur Fils inside 50 minutes and claim the Qatar Open title in Doha, extending his unbeaten start to the 2026 season.
The Spanish top seed was imperious from start to finish, converting five of seven break points to dismantle his French opponent 6-2 6-1.
It marks the shortest completed match of the 22-year-old’s career and secures his 12th consecutive victory of a flawless campaign.
Continued dominance after Melbourne history
This victory comes just 20 days after the world number one became the youngest man in history to complete a Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
Having secured his 26th career title, the four-time major winner has now banished the memories of last year’s quarter-final exit at this venue.
“I came this year hungry for more,” said Alcaraz.
“It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy, I had to be strong mentally with my team.”
“I’m just playing great tennis and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.”
Frustration for Fils
Alcaraz set the tone immediately, breaking serve in the opening game before speeding through the first set in just 28 minutes.
That momentum continued into the second set, where a double break to lead 3-0 caused Fils’ frustrations to boil over as he smashed his racquet.
Although the unseeded Frenchman eventually got on the board to cheers from the crowd, it proved a mere consolation.
The Australian Open champion fired 18 winners to his opponent’s three and did not face a single break point throughout the contest.
The 50-minute duration eclipses the previous shortest final of the season, set when Casper Ruud defeated Ugo Humbert in 68 minutes in Stockholm last year.
‘It’s a joke’
World number 40 Fils, who missed eight months of last season with a back injury, could only laugh at the sheer quality coming from the other side of the net.
“You played very good, you’re a hell of a champion, it’s a joke,” Fils told his opponent during the trophy presentation.
“Congrats to your team and to you, you did an unbelievable job.”
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina has upset world number four Coco Gauff in a three-hour epic to reach the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The 31-year-old will face American Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s showpiece after a grueling semi-final victory.
Svitolina missed four match points in a dramatic second-set tie-break but recovered to win the decider for a 6-4 6-7 (13-15) 6-4 victory.
The contest lasted three hours and three minutes, denying Gauff the chance to create an all-American final.
Pegula fights back to advance
Earlier in the day, Pegula secured her spot by defeating compatriot Amanda Anisimova 1-6 6-4 6-3.
The American had to dig deep, recovering from a disastrous opening set and an early break of serve in the second.
She eventually found her rhythm to overcome Anisimova and book her place in the title decider.
Alcaraz extends perfect start to 2026
In the men’s Qatar Open, world number one Carlos Alcaraz continued his flawless start to the season.
The Spaniard defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 to move into the final.
The 22-year-old recently became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.
His victory over Rublev marked his 11th consecutive win of the 2026 campaign.
Alcaraz will play either Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic or France’s Arthur Fils for the trophy.
Williams handed Indian Wells wildcard
Elsewhere, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard entry into Indian Wells.
The 45-year-old intends to compete in both the singles and doubles events in California.
“It’s great to be heading back to Indian Wells and returning home to California,” said Williams.