Indian Wells shakes things up—new court surface announced after 25 years

The tournament will welcome the biggest ATP and WTA stars, led by defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who have previously thrived on the event’s traditional Plexicushion surface.

Tennis Paradise has long been known for its exceptionally slow hard courts, benefiting players like Alcaraz and Swiatek, who rely on point construction rather than sheer power and speed.

Advantage or challenge for Alcaraz & Swiatek?

Both Alcaraz and Swiatek have had great success in the so-called ‘5th grand Slam’. Alcaraz has a 16-2 record (89%) and lifted the title in the last two editions. On Swiatek's side, he has an 18-2 (90%) record and won the title in 2022 and 2024.

Starting this season, Indian Wells will switch to Laykold, the same surface used at the Miami Open and US Open. This transition could have a significant impact, as Laykold courts tend to be faster with a lower bounce, due to reduced friction between the ball and the surface.

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Swiatek won her second Indian Wells title last year after beating Maria Sakkari, in a repeat of the 2022 final.

Previously, Indian Wells’ high bounce was influenced by both the court material and the warm desert climate, which allowed for less friction at ball impact. However, the exact speed and characteristics of the new courts will also depend on the type of paint used, something the tournament has yet to clarify. "Laykold will bring a new dynamic to the event, ensuring that ATP and WTA players have the optimal playing environment to be the best they can be," the tournament organizers announced.

"Laykold’s courts deliver 10x greater consistency than the accepted industry standard. By fine-tuning court speed to within 0.5 points, Laykold’s scientists and expert installers will bring the most consistent courts in tennis history to California’s ‘fifth major’."

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“He’s not as consistent as Rafa and Novak at their peak”—Patrick Mouratoglou on Carlos Alcaraz’s biggest challenge

Alcaraz and Swiatek already have a title at the Miami Open and US Open, although based on their previous results, where their hardcourt game has performed best is at Indian Wells. Both players will need to reinvent themselves this year with new playing conditions if they are to successfully defend the title.

"By tailoring our courts to match the playing conditions, we’ve enabled tennis to move seamlessly around the world," la organización added. "This cross-continental consistency ensures that within and between events, all courts are equal, making tennis purely about the players. That’s good for everyone."

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