Several prominent singles stars will also feature in the doubles draw at the BNP Paribas Open, with Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton, and Jannik Sinner receiving wildcards for the event. The doubles draw for the BNP Paribas Open was recently unveiled, and to the delight of many tennis enthusiasts, it featured the names of the aforementioned stars.
Indian Wells Doubles Will Also Feature Top Singles Players, As Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic Earn Wildcards
Djokovic, who has recently limited his appearances to select events, including Grand Slams, came within one win of securing his 25th Major title at the Australian Open final last month. Despite taking the opening set 6–2, the Serb was unable to hold off world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who rallied to win the next three sets 6–2, 6–3, 7–5.
Notably, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells marks Djokovic’s first tournament since the Australian Open. The Serb will begin his singles campaign in the second round against Kamil Majchrzak.
However, his participation will not be limited to the singles draw. Djokovic is also set to team up with former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the doubles field, where the wildcard pair will face third seeds Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić in the first round.
Meanwhile, Shelton, who arrives at the BNP Paribas Open fresh off his title run at the Dallas Open, will begin his singles campaign against Reilly Opelka. The American has also been granted a wildcard in the doubles draw, where he will partner compatriot Emilio Nava to face the team of Arthur Fils and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
On the other hand, Jannik Sinner has yet to reach his usual standards in 2026, with a semifinal finish at the Australian Open and a quarterfinal run at the Qatar Open in Doha so far. He aims to turn things around at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, and he will start his run against Dalibor Svrcina in the second round.
The Italian has also received a wildcard in the doubles draw alongside Reilly Opelka, with the pair set to take on the top-seeded team of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos in the first round.
Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 Doubles draw pic.twitter.com/EPvSCFiV9R
— Tennis Draws (@DrawsTennis) March 6, 2026
While their progress in the doubles draw has to be seen, projections from PFSN’s simulator strongly favor all three in singles. Djokovic is given an 88% chance of advancing to the third round, while Sinner holds an overwhelming 97% probability. Shelton, meanwhile, is projected with an 80% chance of reaching the second round.
