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Carlos Alcaraz questions why Indian Wells resurfaced courts now

The decision to resurface the courts at Indian Wells surprised Carlos Alcaraz.
Pat Benson|
March 16, 2024 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after defeating Jannik Sinner of Italy in the Semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA.
March 16, 2024 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after defeating Jannik Sinner of Italy in the Semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA. | IMAGO / Newscom World

The start of the Sunshine Double is here, and tennis fans are preparing for back-to-back Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. However, it would not be tennis without some drama.

Just before the start of the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, tournament organizers announced that all of the courts' surfaces had been adjusted when they switched companies.

After 25 years, Indian Wells changed its surface provider from Plexipave to Laykold (the same provider as the Miami Open and US Open). Fans immediately speculated that it would result in a much faster pace than usual at Indian Wells.

The weather conditions could still play a factor, but players can expect a lower bounce and faster courts this year. It came as a major surprise to players, including ATP World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

According to The Tennis Letter, Alcaraz gave an honest answer when asked how the resurfaced hard court would impact his game.

"The court is faster, right? I don't know. Honestly, it's a change that I didn't understand when I saw it; it was 25 years since the tournament, it was the same court, and then right now, it has changed," said Alcaraz.

The four-time Grand Slam champion continued, "I don't know the reason why did it. I don't know. I have to practice on it. I think I consider myself a player who adapt very well his game, you know, on the surfaces and all the conditions that you're playing on."

Alcaraz concluded, "I think I play great tennis anyway, even though the courts are a bit faster. But all I can say is I didn't understand when I saw it."

With the tournament already underway, players will learn what to expect with the new surface. Alcaraz starts his campaign at Indian Wells on Friday in the Round of 64 against the winner of Quentin Halys and a qualifier.

Alcaraz has won Indian Wells the past two years and is looking for a historic three-peat in the desert. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

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Published | Modified
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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