The Indian Wells Masters is almost here as the fans look forward to seeing the action unfold in the Californian desert.
The ATP Masters and WTA 1000 tournament is one that is very popular among the players and referred to by many as the ‘fifth Grand Slam’.
It is the first tournament of the season with 1000 running points for the men, while the women have already contested two tournaments at this level in Qatar and Dubai.
There are many players in contention for the title, and the American fans will be keen to see if any of their compatriots can lift the title this year.
American women aim to make history at Indian Wells Masters
American tennis is a strong position heading into the Indian Wells Masters.
Three men currently sit inside the world’s top 25, while three women occupy spaces in the WTA’s top five.
These women are Madison Keys, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. The trio in addition to their fellow American players are aiming to bring their 24-year drought at Indian Wells to an end.
No woman from the United States has claimed the Indian Wells crown since Serena Williams emerged victorious in 2001.
That year the 23-time Grand Slam champion came from a set down to defeat Kim Clijsters 4–6, 6–4, 6–2 to win the tournament for the second and final time.
Madison Keys, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula aim for first WTA 1000 title of the year at Indian Wells
American’s top three women are in contrasting positions heading into the Indian Wells Masters.
Keys and Pegula will enter the tournament in sparkling form after they each won their previous event.
World number four Pegula claimed the ATX Open title in Texas, while Keys has not played since winning the Australian Open.
She will be full of confidence and though she has progressed beyond round four at Indian Wells just once before. Gauff on the other hand, is in poor form and has lost her last three matches.
Following a quarter-final loss in Melbourne to Paula Badosa, the 20-year-old suffered opening round defeats in Qatar and Dubai. She will aim to try and turn her form around in California with the help of the home crowd.