Indian Wells recap: The strangest match point of the year, missing balls and more

Follow The Athletic’s coverage of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells After four days in Palm Desert, the first two rounds of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells are in the books. Here are the matches and players that have stood out, some things tennis fans may have missed, and what to look out for in the third round. When is a hindrance not a hindrance? So far, 2026 is the year of the hindrance. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was called on it the Australian Open, after making two noises during h