Tennis Tourney Talk

TENNIS TOURNAMENT NEWS
Indian Wells In Play: The 2025 BNP Paribas Open Is Underway

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open is officially underway, bringing world-class tennis back to the stunning backdrop of the Coachella Valley. Known as “Tennis Paradise,” Indian Wells Tennis Garden once again hosts the best in the game for 15 action-packed days, from March 2-16, drawing fans from across the globe to witness thrilling matches and historic moments.

Surface Switch: Laykold Courts in Play

One major talking point heading into the 2025 BNP Paribas Open is transitioning from the traditional Plexicushion surface to Laykold courts. In recent years, Laykold has been the official surface of the US Open, known for its slightly lower bounce and faster play.

The desert conditions at Indian Wells will still be a factor, with the dry air and potential wind affecting ball movement. Players must adapt quickly to the new surface, which also featured at last month’s Abu Dhabi Open and will be used at the upcoming Miami Open. How the switch impacts the style of play and potential upsets remains to be seen, but it adds an intriguing new element to this year’s competition.

 More - 15 Days of Action in Tennis Paradise

Look Ahead to the 2025 Laver Cup

The stage is set for another electrifying edition of the Laver Cup, where six of Europe’s finest men’s tennis players will clash with six of the world’s best in a high-stakes, three-day team competition. As one of the most unique and fiercely contested events on the ATP calendar, the Laver Cup combines the intensity of individual competition with the camaraderie and strategy of team play.

This year’s event will see a shift in leadership, with new captains adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. Team World will be led by eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, with Australian great Pat Rafter serving as Vice Captain. Across the net, Team Europe welcomes a new leader in Yannick Noah, who steps in for the legendary Björn Borg.

Former No. 1 Kerber Becomes Sporting Director at WTA 500 Bad Homburg

Former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber will take on a new role this season, claiming the position of sporting director at the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open in her home country.

The retired German star will share dual leadership of the grass-court event with tournament director Aljoscha Thron, her long-time manager. This year, the Bad Homburg Open will celebrate its fifth edition and its second straight edition as a WTA 500 event.

INDUSTRY NEWS
The latest business headlines

• made+(R) Signs Pickleball Athlete and Host Tara Bernstein as First Brand Ambassador - Tara is a fashion icon, model, content creator and influencer-making her a natural fit for made+. A dedicated fan of the bangr pickleball shoe by made+, she brings a dynamic presence to the brand as it expands its footprint in the sport’s rapidly growing community.

• Gelteq’s Sportsgel Brand Named Official Sponsor of the Professional Pickleball Tour and League of Australia and New Zealand  – Boasting the highest level and prize money of the sport in Oceania, PPAA and MLPA feature Pro teams, and high-profile owners including former World No.1 golfer Adam Scott, NBA Star Patty Mills, five-time Olympian Nat Cook, and cricketing legend Steve Smith.

• Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announces a major expansion across Georgia, with over 20 clubs in development throughout the state. 

• Elissa Hill (United States Tennis Association) named a Top 50 Women Leaders of Orlando for 2025. Awardees announced by Women We Admire, a provider of news and information on today's women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields.