Gauff vs. Bencic and Alcaraz vs. Dimitrov Highlight Indian Wells Day 8

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The BNP Paribas Open on March 12, 2025, features two highly anticipated matchups: Coco Gauff against Belinda Bencic and Carlos Alcaraz squaring off with Grigor Dimitrov.

Gauff, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, will face Bencic, ranked No. 58, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Bencic, who recently returned to the tour after giving birth, has impressed with a comeback record of 16-4 this season, including a title win in Abu Dhabi and two victories over seeded players in Indian Wells.

In their previous three encounters, Gauff leads with two wins, including a notably dominant performance at the Australian Open in January. However, inconsistency has plagued Gauff’s recent matches, marked by 21 double faults in her first-round match against Moyuka Uchijima. Despite this, she rebounded with a strong performance against Maria Sakkari.

“With the crowd behind her on these slow courts, I believe Gauff will prevail,” said a tennis analyst ahead of the match.

At 3:10 p.m. ET, another clash will unfold as Madison Keys takes on Donna Vekic. Both players have had a resurgence in their careers, with Keys fresh off her Australian Open victory and Vekic aiming to regain form after a shaky start to the 2025 season.

Keys boasts a stellar season record of 16-1 but showed signs of vulnerability in her last match against Elise Mertens. Vekic, whose recent matches have showcased her improved confidence, aims to capitalize on any slips from Keys.

“Keys has the firepower but Vekic can be a hard hitter as well,” observed a coach analyzing their matchup. “It could go either way depending on who finds their rhythm first.”

The final highlight of the day features the thrilling battle between Alcaraz and Dimitrov at 9:00 p.m. ET. Alcaraz, ranked No. 1, has demonstrated dominance thus far in the tournament, dropping only 12 games in his first two matches. Meanwhile, Dimitrov is battling a resurgence and has recently showcased resilience with a win over Gaël Monfils.

Historically, Alcaraz has won his first three matches against Dimitrov but lost their last two encounters. “This time, Alcaraz is better rested and should handle the pressure of the occasion,” remarked a tennis analyst regarding the matchup. “Dimitrov may struggle to keep up against a younger, faster opponent.”

With intense rivalries and contrasting playing styles, fans can expect a thrilling Day 8 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.