At Indian Wells, Russian tennis players Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov were edged out in the doubles draw when they combined against Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego. The encounter stretched for one hour and twelve minutes, concluding with a 5:7, 1:6 scoreline in favor of the Italian pair. The result added to a busy week on the desert courts, where doubles specialists and singles contenders alike were testing strategies and partnerships on a high-stakes stage.
In the singles arena, Rublev advanced to the third round after defeating British veteran Andy Murray. The match moved through a tense first set and finished in two sets, with Rublev prevailing 7:6 (7:3) and 6:1. The 2019 champion displayed clutch play in the tiebreak, yet also faced pressure as Murray pressed with aggression at key moments. Across the stat lines, Rublev delivered nine first serves that found their mark and converted two of five break opportunities, while Murray battled to produce five winners and four double faults, underscoring the mental and technical elasticity required in this phase of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Khachanov’s campaign concluded in the second round of the singles draw after a straight-sets loss to Thiago Wilde. The Brazilian seized control, taking the match 6:1 and 7:5 after a marathon, 2-hour and 39-minute battle that showcased Wilde’s grit and Khachanov’s adjustments under pressure. In the ATP rankings, Khachanov sits higher in the pecking order at No. 15, while Wilde’s ranking stands at No. 65, a disparity that makes Wilde’s win a notable upset and a reminder of the depth in men’s tennis around the globe.
Off the court, the sport’s governing bodies signaled policy shifts that could influence player participation in major events. On March 6, the International Tennis Federation announced it would allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete in the Olympic Games in France under neutral status, a decision that aims to balance competition with geopolitical considerations and athlete representation on the world stage [ITF Statement, 2025].
Earlier in the season, another notable moment came from Mirra Andreeva, who delivered sensational performances in the first round of Indian Wells, underscoring the emergence of fresh talent in the women’s game and highlighting the tournament’s role as a proving ground for rising stars [ITF/NBA, 2025].