Jessica Pegula is drawing attention ahead of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, with analysts Mark Petchey and Brad Gilbert naming her among the players to beat. The fifth seed is set for her eighth run at the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells.
With a favorable draw and confidence-building in the unique desert conditions, both analysts pointed to Pegula’s experience and steady form as reasons she could make a deep run and potentially capture the title.
The Unique Challenge of Competing at Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is widely regarded as one of the most significant tournaments outside the four Grand Slams. Often referred to as the “fifth Major,” the event attracts the top players in the sport and is known for its slow, high-bouncing courts and windy desert environment.
Pegula has historically handled these conditions well. The American reached the quarterfinals in 2021 and has consistently delivered competitive performances in California. This year, she begins her campaign as the No. 5 seed and will open her tournament in the second round against either Croatian wildcard Donna Vekić or Tereza Valentová.
Why Are Mark Petchey and Brad Gilbert Backing Jessica Pegula To Win Indian Wells?
Speaking on “The Big T Podcast” on Tennis Channel, Emma Raducanu’s former coach, Petchey, explained why Pegula stands out as a potential champion. “Jessica Pegula has played pretty well here in the past, actually. She’s made some deepish runs through to the semis,” Petchey said.
He added that belief in one’s game can help players manage the unpredictability of the tournament’s conditions. “I’m actually thinking confidence goes a long way in conditions like this, which are very different, that if you come into this tournament and you’re feeling good about your tennis, I think you can shunt some of the uncertainties and the intangibles to one side because you feel good about your tennis,” he explained.
When making his pick for the tournament, Petchey leaned toward the American from the lower half of the draw. “So if I’m going to pick one, it’s also coming from the bottom half, it’s going to be Pegula.”
Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Gilbert, also highlighted Pegula as a strong title threat, particularly if she meets Rybakina later in the draw. “I feel like the Elena Rybakina-Jessica Pegula quarterfinal, if they play each other in the quarters, I feel like the winner of that potentially is going to win the tournament,” Gilbert said.
Petchey then urged Gilbert to reveal his choice, prompting the response: “I’ll go with Jessica Pegula.”
Pegula also partnered with compatriot McCartney Kessler for the doubles event and will take on Eri Hozumi and Wu Fang-Hsien in the first round.
