Tsitsipas Suffers Early Exit at Indian Wells, Shapovalov Wins

Shapovalov beats struggling Tsitsipas in Indian Wells Opener

Stefanos Tsitsipas loses to Denis Shapovalov in the first round at Indian Wells, while Joao Fonseca and Matteo Berrettini secure wins in the men's draw.

Shapovalov, ranked 39th, took advantage of Tsitsipas's struggles, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-4...

Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a disappointing first-round defeat to Denis Shapovalov at Indian Wells, highlighting his ongoing struggles. The Greek player, who had fallen outside the ATP's top 40 for the first time since May 2018, was hoping for a morale boost from the Masters 1000 event in California, but it wasn't to be.

Shapovalov, ranked 39th, took advantage of Tsitsipas's struggles, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. This defeat marks a tough start to the 2026 season for Tsitsipas, who has failed to build momentum after a promising win over Daniil Medvedev in February. 

Denis Shapovalov breaks to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 and reach the 2nd round in Indian Wells.

Good match at times. Shapovalov more consistent.

vs. Etcheverry in R2. pic.twitter.com/3Nm5VuA7DG

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 5, 2026

Denis Shapovalov outlasted him 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, marking the 27-year-old's third straight defeat. The Canadian's win came after a back-and-forth battle. 

The men's draw saw some thrilling matches. Joao Fonseca beat Raphael Collignon 7-6(2), 6-4, while Matteo Berrettini came back from a set down to beat Adrian Mannarino 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in a three-hour battle.

Other big names advancing include Gael Monfils, Jenson Brooksby, and Gabriel Diallo. The second round is shaping up to be intense.

The women's draw saw some surprises at Indian Wells. Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 champion, lost 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-1 to Kamilla Rakhimova. Sloane Stephens and Paula Badosa also crashed out in the first round.

Big win on the big stage 🏟️

Kamilla Rakhimova gets her first main draw win in the desert over Andreescu.#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/88SBV6GFjH

— wta (@WTA) March 5, 2026

Dayana Yastremska was in top form, beating Shuai Zhang 6-3, 6-2. The Ukrainian's solid performance sets up a second-round match.