The much-anticipated BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells came to a close with Paula Badosa and Cameron Norrie both winning the tournament for the first time in their careers. Norrie and Badosa greatly surprised viewers as both players are ranked outside of the top 25 in the ATP and WTA rankings respectively.
Spanish player Paula Badosa defeated former WTA world number one Victoria Azarenka in a tight contest which ended 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 7-6 (7-2). Among the other players that she defeated was 10th seed Angelique Kerber, whom Badosa edged 6-4 7-5 in the quarter-final.
In the men’s singles draw, British player Cameron Norrie completed numerous upsets on route to the title. He defeated Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 5-7 6-3 in the round of 32 before crushing 11th seeded Diego Schwartzman 6-0 6-2 in the quarter-finals. Norrie wrapped up his series of upsets by defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 before edging Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-4 6-1.
Badosa made history with her title triumph, becoming only the third female singles’ player to win the title in her debut appearance at the tournament. She is preceded by Bianca Andreescu (2019) and Serena Williams (1999).
