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The top players gathered in the California desert on Tuesday for the BNP Paribas Open Media Day. While the main draw matches have not started yet, the atmosphere is already full of excitement as qualifying is underway and the big names have begun taking advantage of the ample practice courts. As the 2026 season moves only into its third month, the players are already balancing high expectations with the need for rest and recovery.
Two-time champion Iga Swiatek spoke to the press about her mindset following a difficult start to the year. By her standards, the 24-year-old has stumbled somewhat in her recent tournaments.
“The results haven’t been what I would wish for, because most of the tournaments I lost somewhere around quarterfinals, so it would be great to improve that,” the world No. 2 explained. To keep the right mindset, she is trying to shift attention to the process over results. “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, and I feel like I can really lower the expectations and just focus on the work and see how it’s going to go.”
Coco Gauff is entering the tournament in a characteristically upbeat mood, despite not knowing if and when her coach would make it out to join her. Asked about the Middle East crisis impacting the sport, she said, “Gavin is actually there right now, he’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it. I just want him to be safe. I don’t know when he can leave and things like that. We are just taking it day by day with him.”
Freshly engaged Aryna Sabalenka shared her excitement to get back to business. The 27-year-old from Belarus is currently the world No. 1 but is determined not to let that ranking be a burden.
“I think I’m good at balancing. I’m having a lot of fun off the court, so I’m managing well to be really focused and strong on court, and that’s why ‘pressure’? What is ‘pressure’? Everyone feels pressure. I’m just not focusing on that” the top seed told reporters. She prefers to focus only on the present. “I’m just trying to be as good as possible in each match I play without focusing on points to defend or what happened last year or this kind of stuff. I feel like I’m pretty good at clearing the page and just leave the page and move on.”
Jessica Pegula arrived in California with a boost of confidence after winning a title in Dubai. The 32-year-old has historically found the gritty conditions unfavorable, but feels more prepared this time.
“Feeling really good, happy to be here. Happy to be here after playing some good tennis a few weeks ago in Dubai. Hopefully I can continue building on that momentum,” she said. Even though the fifth seed never feels like she plays her best tennis here, she believes she has improved. “I do think that this year I feel a little bit better with my game as far as being able to adapt and have a couple more tools in the toolbox to help me combat those types of conditions.”
For others, the focus is on physical health. Elena Rybakina is trying to regain her form after a recent illness. The 26-year-old representing Kazakhstan has once again been battling illness, as she has numerous times in her career.
“It was a tough schedule after Australia. I wanted to keep on playing, but then got sick in between. So it was not easy to keep on going,” the world No. 3 noted. After resting for a few days, she is ready to compete. “After, I took some days off and started my preparation. So now I’m feeling good.”
The main draw for the women’s singles begins on Wednesday.
